Transmission device, reception device, transmission method, and reception method

ABSTRACT

A transmission device includes a generator that generates a frame in a predetermined frame format and a communicator that transmits the frame generated by the generator. The predetermined frame format includes a first field indicating whether information related to a wake-up process performed by a device that received a frame in the predetermined frame format is valid or not. When the first field indicates that the information is valid, the predetermined frame format further includes a second field indicating identification information identifying the device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. continuation application of PCT InternationalPatent Application Number PCT/JP2019/007196 filed on Feb. 26, 2019,claiming the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application Number2018-035695 filed on Feb. 28, 2018, and Japanese Patent ApplicationNumber 2018-042415 filed on Mar. 8, 2018, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a transmission device, a receptiondevice, a transmission method, and a reception method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a first communication deviceincluding a communication function for a first communication scheme anda communication function for a second communication scheme. The firstcommunication device communicates with a second communication deviceusing the first communication scheme.

In order to wake up operation of the communication function for thesecond communication scheme that is included in the first communicationdevice, the second communication device transmits, using the firstcommunication scheme, a modulated signal including control informationfor waking up the second communication scheme.

SUMMARY

WO2016/189933 discloses that the above configuration reduces the powerconsumption of the first communication device and reduces communicationoverhead. However, there is desire for the realization of further powerconsumption reduction of a device having the first communication deviceand a system having the first communication device, a desire to providea device having the first communication device and a system having thefirst communication device with new functions that utilize the firstcommunication scheme, and a desire to provide a device having the firstcommunication device and a system having the first communication devicewith new functions that utilize a combination of a plurality ofcommunication schemes.

In view of the above, the present disclosure provides, for example, atransmission device which can provide new functions.

A transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosureincludes a generator that generates a frame in a predetermined frameformat and a communicator that transmits the frame generated by thegenerator. The predetermined frame format includes a first fieldindicating whether information related to a wake-up process performed bya device that received a frame in the predetermined frame format isvalid or not, and when the first field indicates that the information isvalid, further includes a second field indicating identificationinformation identifying the device.

With this configuration, the transmission device can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process by a devicethat received the frame can be appropriately controlled. For example,this configuration can contribute to a reduction in the processing loadand the power consumption of the reception device.

A reception device according to one aspect of the present disclosureincludes a communicator that operates in one of a first mode and asecond mode and a controller that controls which of the first mode andthe second mode the communicator operates in based on a reception framereceived by the communicator, the reception frame being in apredetermined frame format. The predetermined frame format includes afirst field indicating whether information related to a wake-up processperformed by a device that received a frame in the predetermined frameformat is valid or not, and when the first field indicates that theinformation is valid, further includes a second field indicatingidentification information identifying the device. The first mode is amode in which the communicator is in standby for reception of a frameincluding at least the first field. The second mode is a mode in whichthe communicator performs normal data frame transmission and reception.The wake-up process transitions the communicator from the first mode tothe second mode. The controller executes the wake-up process when, inthe reception frame received while the communicator is operating in thefirst mode, the first field indicates that the information is valid andthe second field indicates the identification information of thereception device.

With this configuration, the reception device can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process based on thereceived frame can be appropriately controlled. For example, thisconfiguration can contribute to a reduction in the processing load andthe power consumption of the reception device.

For example, the reception device further includes a function unitconfigured to execute a function process related to a predeterminedfunction. The controller causes the function unit to execute thefunction process based on a frame received while the communicator isoperating in the second mode.

With this configuration, the execution of a predetermined functionincluded in the reception device, such as, in an example in which thereception device is implemented as a television, a function forreceiving a television broadcast and displaying an image, can beappropriately controlled via the received frame.

For example, the controller further causes the function unit execute thefunction process upon executing the wake-up process.

With this configuration, a predetermined function included in thereception device can be appropriately controlled upon the execution ofthe wake-up process.

For example, the first mode is a mode dedicated to placing thecommunicator in standby for reception of a frame including at least thefirst field.

With this configuration, the reception device operates with a reducedprocess load and reduced power consumption compared to when normal dataframe transmission and reception is performed, by using a mode dedicatedto placing the communicator in standby for reception of the first field.Moreover, the execution of the wake-up process can be appropriatelycontrolled.

A transmission method according to one aspect of the present disclosureincludes generating a frame in a predetermined frame format andtransmitting the frame generated in the generating. The predeterminedframe format includes a first field indicating whether informationrelated to a wake-up process performed by a device that received a framein the predetermined frame format is valid or not, and when the firstfield indicates that the information is valid, further includes a secondfield indicating identification information identifying the device.

This configuration achieves the same advantageous effects as thoseachieved by the transmission device.

A reception method according to one aspect of the present disclosure isexecuted by a reception device including a communicator that operates inone of a first mode and a second mode. The reception method includesreceiving a frame by the communicator, and controlling which of thefirst mode and the second mode the communicator operates in based on areception frame, the reception frame being in a predetermined frameformat and being the frame received by the communicator. Thepredetermined frame format includes a first field indicating whetherinformation related to a wake-up process performed by a device thatreceived a frame in the predetermined frame format is valid or not, andwhen the first field indicates that the information is valid, furtherincludes a second field indicating identification informationidentifying the device. The first mode is a mode in which thecommunicator is in standby for reception of a frame including at leastthe first field. The second mode is a mode in which the communicatorperforms normal data frame transmission and reception. The wake-upprocess transitions the communicator from the first mode to the secondmode. The controlling executes the wake-up process when, in thereception frame received while the communicator is operating in thefirst mode, the first field indicates that the information is valid andthe second field indicates the identification information of thereception device.

This configuration achieves the same advantageous effects as thoseachieved by the reception device.

General and specific aspect(s) disclosed above may be implemented usinga system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or acomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationthereof.

The present disclosure is capable of facilitating or contributing to therealization of one or more of the following desires regarding the devicehaving the first communication device and the system having the firstcommunication device: further power consumption reduction; provision ofnew functions that utilize the first communication scheme, and provisionof new functions that utilize a combination of a plurality ofcommunication schemes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantages and features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description thereof taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a specificembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a configuration of a system;

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationdevice;

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationdevice;

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame;

FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame;

FIG. 9 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame;

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a configuration of a system;

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a configuration of a system;

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 13 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 14 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 15 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 16 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 17 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and terminals;

FIG. 18 illustrates one example of a configuration of a system;

FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of the flow of communication;

FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationdevice;

FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of a server;

FIG. 23 illustrates one example of operations;

FIG. 24 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 25 illustrates one example of operations;

FIG. 26 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 27 illustrates one example of the flow of communication;

FIG. 28 illustrates one example of operations;

FIG. 29 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 30 illustrates one example of operations;

FIG. 31 illustrates one example of a configuration of a transmissiondevice;

FIG. 32 illustrates one example of a configuration of a receptiondevice;

FIG. 33 illustrates one example of processes performed by a transmissiondevice;

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of processes performed by a receptiondevice;

FIG. 35 illustrates an example of operations performed by a base stationand a terminal;

FIG. 36 illustrates an example of operations performed by a base stationand a terminal;

FIG. 37 illustrates one example of communication between a server, acommunication device, and terminals;

FIG. 38 illustrates one example of communication between a server, acommunication device, and terminals;

FIG. 39 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and a terminal;

FIG. 40 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and a terminal;

FIG. 41 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and a terminal;

FIG. 42 illustrates one example of communication between a communicationdevice and a terminal;

FIG. 43 illustrates one example of a configuration of frames in amodulated signal;

FIG. 44 illustrates one example of a configuration of frames in amodulated signal; and

FIG. 45 illustrates one example of a configuration of frames in amodulated signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a device having functionality for communicating using aplurality of communication schemes or including a plurality ofcommunication devices will be described.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with communication device 103 usinga first communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled 101generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 101. Terminal #1 labeled 101receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using a second communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled101 generates a modulated signal conforming to the second communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal to basestation #A labeled 100_1. Base station #A labeled 100_1 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Base station #A labeled 1001 generates a modulated signal conforming tothe second communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 101. Terminal #1 labeled 101receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using a third communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled 101generates a modulated signal conforming to the third communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal to basestation #B labeled 100_2. Base station #B labeled 100_2 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

For example, communication device 103 forwards, for example, dataobtained from another device to, for example, a server via, for example,network 106. The flow of data is indicated by the arrows labeled 108 and105, and the data flows in the listed order.

Communication device 103 transmits data obtained from another device toa device such as a server via network 106. The flow of data is indicatedby the arrows labeled 104 and 107, and the data flows in the listedorder.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of terminal #1 labeled101 illustrated in FIG. 1. Transceiver device 205 illustrated in FIG. 2performs processing for transmission via the first communication scheme,and performs processing for reception via the first communicationscheme.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of data 207, performsprocessing for the first communication scheme, such as error correctionencoding, modulation, and frequency conversion, and generates andoutputs modulated signal 204 conforming to the first communicationscheme. Modulated signal 204 conforming to the first communicationscheme is then output as radio waves from antenna 203.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of modulated signal 202conforming to the first communication scheme received via antenna 201,performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding,and obtains data 206.

Control determiner 208 receives an input of data 206, determines whetherto wake up second transceiver device 215, determines whether to wake upthird transceiver device 225, and determines whether to wake up deviceoperation function 210, and outputs control signal 209 includinginformation on these determinations.

Second transceiver device 215 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup second transceiver device 215.

Here, when the determination is to wake up second transceiver device215, if second transceiver device 215 is sleeping, second transceiverdevice 215 wakes up and begins communicating.

When the determination is to not wake up second transceiver device 215,if second transceiver device 215 is sleeping, second transceiver device215 keeps sleeping. Note that if second transceiver device 215 isoperating, second transceiver device 215 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Second transceiver device 215 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the second transceiver device, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of the second transceiverdevice is information indicating to stop operation of second transceiverdevice 215 and place second transceiver device 215 in standby, secondtransceiver device 215 stops operation and enters standby. This reducesthe power consumption of second transceiver device 215.

As described above, second transceiver device 215 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup second transceiver device 215, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting second transceiver device 215 to sleep.This will be described in greater detail later.

Similarly, third transceiver device 225 receives an input of controlsignal 209, and thereby obtains information on the determination ofwhether to wake up third transceiver device 225.

Here, when the determination is to wake up third transceiver device 225,if third transceiver device 225 is sleeping, third transceiver device225 wakes up and begins communicating.

When the determination is to not wake up third transceiver device 225,if third transceiver device 225 is sleeping, third transceiver device225 keeps sleeping. Note that if third transceiver device 225 isoperating, third transceiver device 225 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Third transceiver device 225 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the third transceiver device, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of the third transceiver deviceis information indicating to stop operation of third transceiver device225 and place third transceiver device 225 in standby, third transceiverdevice 225 stops operation and enters standby. This reduces the powerconsumption of third transceiver device 225.

As described above, third transceiver device 225 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup third transceiver device 225, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting third transceiver device 225 to sleep.This will be described in greater detail later.

Device operation function 210 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup device operation function 210.

Here, when the determination is to wake up device operation function210, if device operation function 210 is sleeping, device operationfunction 210 wakes up.

When the determination is to not wake up device operation function 210,if device operation function 210 is sleeping, device operation function210 keeps sleeping. Note that if device operation function 210 isoperating, device operation function 210 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Device operation function 210 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the device operation function, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of device operation function210 is information indicating to stop operation of device operationfunction 210 and place device operation function 210 in standby, deviceoperation function 210 stops operation and enters standby. This reducesthe power consumption of device operation function 210.

As described above, device operation function 210 only operates itsdevice operation functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup device operation function 210, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting device operation function 210 to sleep.This will be described in greater detail later.

Note that a device operation function is a function for an operation ofa device other than a communication device. For example, when the deviceillustrated in FIG. 2 is implemented in a vehicle, one example of thedevice operation function is a function for an operation related to thevehicle.

In another example, when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 is implementedin a home appliance, one example of the device operation function is afunction for an operation related to the home appliance. For example,when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 is implemented in a computer, thedevice operation function is a function for an operation related to thecomputer. In another example, when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 isimplemented in a television, the device operation function is a functionfor an operation related to the television. Although a vehicle and homeappliances are given as examples, devices other than communicationdevices are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a configuration of terminal #1 labeled101 illustrated in FIG. 1 that differs from the example illustrated inFIG. 2. FIG. 3 differs from FIG. 2 in that first transceiver device 205receives an input of control signal 209. Note that in FIG. 3, elementsthat operate the same as in FIG. 2 share like reference signs, andrepeated description thereof will be omitted.

Control determiner 208 receives an input of data 206, determines whetherto wake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205,determines whether to wake up second transceiver device 215, determineswhether to wake up third transceiver device 225, and determines whetherto wake up device operation function 210, and outputs control signal 209including information on these determinations.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup the transmission function of first transceiver device 205.

Here, when the determination is to wake up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205, if the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 is sleeping, the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 wakes up.

When the determination is to not wake up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205, if the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 is sleeping, the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 keeps sleeping. Note that if the transmissionfunction of first transceiver device 205 is operating, the transmissionfunction of first transceiver device 205 may sleep.

First transceiver device 205, second transceiver device 215, thirdtransceiver device 225, and device operation function 210 receive aninput of operation control signal 250. First transceiver device 205 iscontrolled according to control information related to operation of thetransmission function of the first transceiver device, which is includedin operation control signal 250. For example, when the controlinformation related to operation of the transmission function of thefirst transceiver device is information indicating to stop operation ofthe transmission function of first transceiver device 205 and place thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 in standby, firsttransceiver device 205 stops operation of the transmission function andplaces the transmission function in standby. This reduces the powerconsumption of first transceiver device 205.

As described above, first transceiver device 205 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup the transmission function of first transceiver device 205, controlsignal 209 may also include control information for putting thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 to sleep. Thiswill be described in greater detail later.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relative tothe time axis, between communication device 103 and terminal #1 labeled101, which are illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, time is represented onthe horizontal axis. 400 in FIG. 4 indicates an example of communicationby communication device 103, relative to the time axis. 451 in FIG. 4indicates an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the time axis. 452 inFIG. 4 indicates an example of communication by second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the timeaxis. 453 in FIG. 4 indicates an example of communication by thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, first, communication device 103 transmits awake-up frame (401). In this example, the transmission of the wake-upframe (401) includes information indicating to wake up secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. In thisexample, the transmission of the wake-up frame (401) is configured as amodulated signal based on the first communication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 401. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 401, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#A labeled 100_1 and (second transceiver device 215 included in)terminal #1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 1 startcommunicating.

In FIG. 4, after communication starts, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (411).

Note that wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 4 may include information indicatingto wake up device operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 401, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up device operation function 210.

Wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 4 may also include information indicating towake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-upframe 401, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relative tothe time axis, between communication device 103 and terminal #1 labeled101, which are illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, time is represented onthe horizontal axis.

400 in FIG. 5 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 103, relative to the time axis.

451 in FIG. 5 indicates an example of communication by first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the timeaxis.

452 in FIG. 5 indicates an example of communication by secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

453 in FIG. 5 indicates an example of communication by third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the timeaxis.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, first, communication device 103 transmits awake-up frame (401). In this example, the transmission of the wake-upframe (401) includes information indicating to wake up third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. In this example, thetransmission of the wake-up frame (401) is configured as a modulatedsignal based on the first communication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 401. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 401, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#B labeled 100_2 and (third transceiver device 225 included in) terminal#1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 1 start communicating.

In FIG. 5, after communication starts, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (421).

Communication device 103 transmits a wake-up frame (402). In thisexample, the transmission of the wake-up frame (402) includesinformation indicating to wake up second transceiver device 215 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101. In this example, the transmission of thewake-up frame (402) is configured as a modulated signal based on thefirst communication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 402. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 402, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#A labeled 100_1 and (second transceiver device 215 included in)terminal #1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 1 startcommunicating.

In FIG. 5, after communication starts, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (412).

Note that wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 5 may include information indicatingto wake up device operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 401, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up device operation function 210.

Wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 5 may also include information indicating towake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-upframe 401, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Note that wake-up frame 402 in FIG. 5 may include information indicatingto wake up device operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled101. Here, based on wake-up frame 402, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes updevice operation function 210.

Wake-up frame 402 in FIG. 5 may also include information indicating towake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Here, based on wake-up frame 402,terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relative tothe time axis, between communication device 103 and terminal #1 labeled101, which are illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, time is represented onthe horizontal axis.

400 in FIG. 6 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 103, relative to the time axis.

451 in FIG. 6 indicates an example of communication by first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the timeaxis.

452 in FIG. 6 indicates an example of communication by secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

453 in FIG. 6 indicates an example of communication by third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to the timeaxis.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, communication device 103 transmits a wake-upframe (401). In this example, the transmission of the wake-up frame(401) includes information indicating to wake up second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 and informationindicating to wake up third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101. In this example, the transmission of the wake-up frame(401) is configured as a modulated signal based on the firstcommunication scheme. In this way, a plurality of communication schemesmay be simultaneously woken up in response to the transmission of thewake-up frame, which eliminates the need to transmit the wake-up frame aplurality of times. This is advantageous as it increases datatransmission speeds.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 401. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 401, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 andthe information indicating to wake up third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up, and third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 also wakes up.Thereafter, base station #A labeled 100_1 and (second transceiver device215 included in) terminal #1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 1start communicating, and base station #B labeled 100_2 and (thirdtransceiver device 225 included in) terminal #1 labeled 101 that areillustrated in FIG. 1 start communicating.

In FIG. 6, after communication starts, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (413), and furthermore, third transceiver device 225 included interminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting a frame (422).

Note that wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 6 may include information indicatingto wake up device operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 401, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up device operation function 210.

Wake-up frame 401 in FIG. 6 may also include information indicating towake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-upframe 401, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

Next, an example of operations performed after the wake-up operation inthe flow of communication, relative to the time axis, betweencommunication device 103 and terminal #1 labeled 101, which areillustrated in FIG. 1, described in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 will begiven.

For example, in FIG. 4, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

After first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 401, second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station #A labeled100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communication partner ofsecond transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101,transmits a modulated signal including software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 401 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information.

In such cases, since second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 has been woken up, second transceiver device 215 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signalincluding software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

For example, in FIG. 5, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

After first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 401, third transceiver device 225 included interminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station #B labeled100_2 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communication partner of thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, transmits amodulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or a modulated signal including updatedsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210. Note that wake-up frame 401 may include information indicating towake up device operation function 210. Device operation function 210 maybe woken up by this information.

In such cases, since third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 has been woken up, third transceiver device 225 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signalincluding software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof third transceiver device 225 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of third transceiver device 225, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 226 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Hereinafter, another example will be given. In FIG. 5, after firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 receiveswake-up frame 402, second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, an example of subsequent operationswill be given.

After first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 402, second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station #A labeled100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communication partner ofsecond transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101,transmits a modulated signal including software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 402 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information.

In such cases, since second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 has been woken up, second transceiver device 215 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signalincluding software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

In another example, in FIG. 5, first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 may transmit, together with wake-up frame 402,the modulated signal including software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the modulated signal includingupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210. Note that wake-up frame 402 may include informationindicating to wake up device operation function 210. Device operationfunction 210 may be woken up by this information.

Alternatively, in FIG. 5, first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 may transmit, after the transmission of wake-upframe 402, the modulated signal including software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or the modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 402 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information.

In such cases, since the reception function of first transceiver device205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is operating, second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receivingthe modulated signal including software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the modulated signal includingupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210. First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 then demodulates the modulated signal to obtain the softwareor the updated software.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210.

Note that by executing the waking up of device operation function 210and the updating of the software for device operation function 210together, this has the advantageous effect of being able to execute theupdating of the software for device operation function 210 with morecertainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 206 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of wake-up frame 401or 402 that is transmitted by communication device 103 and illustratedin FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, time is represented on thehorizontal axis.

Preamble 701 is a symbol for allowing the communication partner toperform time synchronization, frequency synchronization, framesynchronization, and/or channel estimation, etc.

Control information symbol 702 is a symbol for notifying thecommunication partner of, for example, communication rules. For example,control information symbol 702 is used for notifying the communicationscheme, modulation scheme, and/or error correction encoding scheme ofthe modulated signal, and notifying the data length and/or packetlength.

Wake-up related data symbol 703 is a symbol for notifying thecommunication partner of data related to a wake-up operation.

Data symbol 704 is a symbol for transmitting data to the communicationpartner.

Note that the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely onenon-limiting example. Moreover, the frame may additionally includesymbols not illustrated in FIG. 7.

Furthermore, although the terminology “preamble”, “control informationsymbol”, “wake-up related data symbol”, and “data symbol” is used inFIG. 7, the names of the corresponding symbols are not limited to theseexamples. For example, the “wake-up related data symbol” may be referredto by some other name.

Hereinafter, the configuration of wake-up related data symbol 703, whichis an important aspect of the present embodiment, will be described ingreater detail.

Configuration Example

One example of a configuration of wake-up related data symbol 703 isillustrated in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, wake-up related data symbol 703 includes, forexample, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to be wokenup, information 802 related to the communication scheme to be woken up,and information 803 related to waking up the device operation function.

Hereinafter, an example related to the configuration of information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up will be given.

For example, consider a case in which communication device 103 transmitswake-up frame 401 and wakes up second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 101, that is to say, wakes up communicationperformed via the second communication scheme, as is illustrated in FIG.4.

In this case, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up may be configured to include information indicating to wake upcommunication performed via the second communication scheme.

For example, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up is configured of the two bits of a0 and a1. In this case,communication device 103 transmits a0 and a1. a0 and a1 are defined asfollows.

When a0=0 and a1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is not woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up.

When a0=1 and a1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up.

When a0=0 and a1=1, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is not woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is woken up.

When a0=1 and a1=1, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is woken up.

Hereinafter, another example will be given. In the example illustratedin FIG. 4, communication device 103 transmits wake-up frame 401 andwakes up second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled101, that is to say, wakes up communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme. Moreover, communication device 103 does not wakeup third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101,that is to say, does not wake up communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme.

In other words, information 801 indicating the communication scheme tobe woken up may be configured so as to include information indicating“wake up” or “do not wake up” on a per communication scheme basis.

When terminal #1 labeled 101 is configured like illustrated in FIG. 2 orFIG. 3, communication schemes via which communication is possibleinclude the second communication scheme and the third communicationscheme.

Accordingly, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up includes informationindicating to wake up communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme and not wake up communication performed via thethird communication scheme.

For example, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up is configured of the two bits of b0 and b1. In this case,communication device 103 transmits b0 and b1. b0 and b1 are defined asfollows.

b0 is a bit related to communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme. When b0=0, communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme is not woken up, and when b0=1, communicationperformed via the second communication scheme is woken up.

b1 is a bit related to communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme. When b1=0, communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up, and when b1=1, communicationperformed via the third communication scheme is woken up.

Communication device 103 may transmit, along with information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up, information relatedto the communication scheme to be woken up.

For example, the second communication scheme supports communication viaa 25 MHz band modulated signal and communication via a 50 MHz bandmodulated signal. Moreover, for example, the second communication schemealso supports single carrier communication and orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) communication.

For example, communication device 103 transmits at least informationindicating to wake up communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme in information 801 indicating the communicationscheme to be woken up. Here, for example, c0 and c1 are transmitted bycommunication device 103 as information 801 indicating the communicationscheme to be woken up. c0 and c1 are defined as follows.

When c0=0, communication via a 25 MHz band modulated signal is performedunder the second communication scheme, and when c0=1, communication viaa 50 MHz band modulated signal is performed under the secondcommunication scheme.

When c1=0, single carrier communication is performed under the secondcommunication scheme, and when c1=1, OFDM communication is performedunder the second communication scheme.

Communication device 103 may transmit information 803 related to wakingup the device operation function. For example, information 803 relatedto waking up the device operation function is configured of the bit d0,and communication device 103 transmits d0. In this example, d0 isdefined as follows.

When d0=0, device operation function 210 is not woken up, and when d0=1,device operation function 210 is woken up.

Configuring wake-up related data symbol 703 in this way allows terminal#1 labeled 101 to obtain wake-up frame information, which makes itpossible to wake up a suitable device. This has the advantageous effectthat power consumption of terminal #1 labeled 101 can be reduced.

Hereinafter, yet another example will be given. Information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up may be configured soas to include information indicating “wake up”, “do not wake up”,“maintain current state”, or “undefined (reserved)” on a percommunication scheme basis. For example, information 801 indicating thecommunication scheme to be woken up is configured of the four bits ofe0, e1, e2, and e3. In this case, communication device 103 transmits e0,e1, e2, and e3. e0, e1, e2, and e3 are defined as follows.

When e0=0 and e1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up.

When e0=1 and e1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is put to sleep.

For example, having received this information, terminal #1 labeled 101puts second transceiver device 215 to sleep. This has the advantageouseffect that terminal #1 labeled 101 can further reduce powerconsumption.

When e0=0 and e1=1, the current communication state of the secondcommunication scheme is maintained.

When e0=1 and e1=1, this indicates “undefined (or sleep)” (for example,upon receipt of this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 ignores theinformation (i.e., determines that the information is not valid);however, the information may be used at a later point in time).

When e2=0 and e3=0, communication performed via the third communicationscheme is woken up.

When e2=1 and e3=0, communication performed via the third communicationscheme is put to sleep.

For example, having received this information, terminal #1 labeled 101puts third transceiver device 225 to sleep. This has the advantageouseffect that terminal #1 labeled 101 can further reduce powerconsumption.

When e2=0 and e3=1, the current communication state of the thirdcommunication scheme is maintained.

When e2=1 and e3=1, this indicates “undefined (or sleep)” (for example,upon receipt of this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 ignores theinformation (i.e., determines that the information is not valid);however, the information may be used at a later point in time).

Configuring wake-up related data symbol 703 in this way allows terminal#1 labeled 101 is controlled according to instruction by communicationdevice 103 so as to achieve a favorable communication state for each ofthe communication schemes. This has the advantageous effect that powerconsumption of terminal #1 labeled 101 can be reduced. Note that in theabove description, the available modes are exemplified as “wake up”,“sleep”, “maintain current state”, “undefined (reserved)”, but theavailable modes are not limited to this example. The available modes mayinclude one or more of “wake up”, “sleep”, “maintain current state”, and“undefined (reserved)”.

Hereinafter, yet another example will be given.

Communication device 103 may transmit information 803 related to wakingup the device operation function. For example, information 803 relatedto waking up the device operation function is configured of the two bitsof f0 and f1, and communication device 103 transmits f0 and f1. In thisexample, f0 is defined as follows.

When f0=0, device operation function 210 is not woken up, and when f0=1,device operation function 210 is woken up.

In this example, f1 is defined as emergency data. For example, f1 isinformation for notifying the device operation function of a significantdefect or information for stopping operation of the device operationfunction due there being a significant defect in the device operationfunction. In this example, f1 is defined as follows.

When f1=0, there is a significant defect in the device operationfunction, and when f1=1, this stops operation of the device operationfunction due there being a significant defect in the device operationfunction.

This has the advantageous effect of being able to secure the safety ofterminal #1 labeled 101. Note that usage of the instruction describedabove that stops operation of the device operation function due therebeing a significant defect in the device operation function isimportant.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a configuration of wake-up relateddata symbol 703 that differs from the configuration illustrated in FIG.8. Note that in FIG. 9, time is represented on the horizontal axis.Moreover, elements that operate the same as in FIG. 8 share likereference signs, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. FIG.9 differs from FIG. 8 in regard to the inclusion of information 901 onterminals subject to the information indicating the communication schemeto be woken up and information 902 on terminals subject to theinformation related to waking up the device operation function.

For example, information 901 on terminals subject to the informationindicating the communication scheme to be woken up may be configured soas to include information indicating “multicast transmission” or“unicast transmission” on a per communication scheme basis.

When terminal #1 labeled 101 is configured like illustrated in FIG. 2 orFIG. 3, examples of information 801 indicating the communication schemeto be woken up include information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme andinformation related to waking up the communication performed via thethird communication scheme.

For example, information 901 on terminals subject to the informationindicating the communication scheme to be woken up is configured of thetwo bits of g0 and g1. In this case, communication device 103 transmitsg0 and g1. g0 and g1 are defined as follows.

When communication device 103 multicasts the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme, g0 is set to 0 (g0=0), and when communication device 103unicasts the information related to waking up the communicationperformed via the second communication scheme, g0 is set to 1 (g0=1).

When communication device 103 multicasts the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communicationscheme, g1 is set to 0 (g1=0), and when communication device 103unicasts the information related to waking up the communicationperformed via the third communication scheme, g1 is set to 1 (g1=1).

Moreover, when g0 is set to 1 (g0=1) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is to be unicast, information indicating the type and/orinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme may be transmitted by communication device 103.Here, as a result of a terminal obtaining the information indicating thetype and/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme is valid ornot. With this, a terminal that is the communication partner ofcommunication device 103 determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

Note that multicast refers to, for example in the case of FIG. 10, thecommunication device transmitting modulated signals including the sameinformation to a plurality of terminals, namely terminal #1 labeled 101,terminal #2 labeled 1002, and terminal #3 labeled 1003.

Moreover, when g0 is set to 0 (g0=0) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is to be multicast, information indicating the type and/orinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme may be transmitted by communication device 103.Here, as a result of a terminal obtaining the information indicating thetype and/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme is valid ornot. With this, a terminal that is the communication partner ofcommunication device 103 determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

Moreover, when g1 is set to 1 (g1=1) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis to be unicast, information indicating the type and/or informationindicating a unique number (for example, the identification (ID) orserial number) of each of terminals subject to the information relatedto waking up the communication performed via the third communicationscheme may be transmitted by communication device 103. Here, as a resultof a terminal obtaining the information indicating the type and/or theinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminal determineswhether the information related to waking up the communication performedvia the third communication scheme is valid or not. With this, aterminal that is the communication partner of communication device 103determines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the third communication scheme is valid ornot and performs control in accordance with the determination result.This achieves the advantageous effect that appropriate control can beperformed.

Moreover, when g1 is set to 0 (g1=0) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis to be multicast, information indicating the type and/or informationindicating a unique number (for example, the identification (ID) orserial number) of each of terminals subject to the information relatedto waking up the communication performed via the third communicationscheme may be transmitted by communication device 103. Here, as a resultof a terminal obtaining the information indicating the type and/or theinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminal determineswhether the information related to waking up the communication performedvia the third communication scheme is valid or not. With this, aterminal that is the communication partner of communication device 103determines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the third communication scheme is valid ornot and performs control in accordance with the determination result.This achieves the advantageous effect that appropriate control can beperformed.

By carrying out the above, appropriate information can be transmitted toappropriate terminals to control their operation, which achieves theadvantageous effect that terminal power consumption can be reduced.

Information 902 on terminals subject to the information related towaking up the device operation function may be configured so as toinclude information indicating “multicast transmission” or “unicasttransmission”.

For example, information 902 on terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the device operation function is configured of thebit h0, and communication device 103 transmits h0. h0 is defined asfollows.

When communication device 103 multicasts the information related towaking up the device operation function, h0 is set to 0 (h0=0), and whencommunication device 103 unicasts the information related to waking updevice operation function, h0 is set to 1 (h0=1).

Moreover, when h0 is set to 1 (h0=1) and the information related towaking up the device operation function is to be unicast, informationindicating the type and/or information indicating a unique number (forexample, the identification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminalssubject to the information related to waking up the device operationfunction may be transmitted by communication device 103. Here, as aresult of a terminal obtaining the information indicating the typeand/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up the deviceoperation function is valid or not. With this, a terminal that is thecommunication partner of communication device 103 determines whether theinformation related to waking up the device operation function is validor not and performs control in accordance with the determination result.This achieves the advantageous effect that appropriate control can beperformed.

When h0 is set to 0 (h0=0) and the information related to waking up thedevice operation function is to be multicast, information indicating thetype and/or information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject tothe information related to waking up the device operation function maybe transmitted by communication device 103. Here, as a result of aterminal obtaining the information indicating the type and/or theinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminal determineswhether the information related to waking up the device operationfunction is valid or not. With this, a terminal that is thecommunication partner of communication device 103 determines whether theinformation related to waking up the device operation function is validor not and performs control in accordance with the determination result.This achieves the advantageous effect that appropriate control can beperformed.

By carrying out the above, appropriate information can be transmitted toappropriate terminals to control their operation, which achieves theadvantageous effect that terminal power consumption can be reduced.

In the above description, terminal #1 labeled 101 performs operationssuch as “wake up”, “sleep”, and “maintain current state” for each partin accordance with instructions obtained via each of the items ofinformation transmitted by communication device 103, namely information801 indicating the communication scheme to be woken up, information 802related to the communication scheme to be woken up, information 803related to waking up the device operation function, information 901 onterminals subject to the information indicating the communication schemeto be woken up, and information 902 on terminals subject to theinformation related to waking up the device operation function. This hasthe advantageous effect that terminal #1 labeled 101 can reduce powerconsumption under appropriate control.

Next, the relation between the first communication scheme, the secondcommunication scheme, and the third communication scheme described abovewill be described.

For example, the relation between the first communication scheme, thesecond communication scheme, and the third communication schemesatisfies any one of the following exemplary conditions.

Example 1

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme arenot schemes of the same standard. Additionally, the first communicationscheme and the third communication scheme are not schemes of the samestandard. Additionally, the second communication scheme and the thirdcommunication scheme are not schemes of the same standard.

Example 2

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme arenot schemes in the same frequency band. Additionally, the firstcommunication scheme and the third communication scheme are not schemesin the same frequency band. Additionally, the second communicationscheme and the third communication scheme are not schemes in the samefrequency band.

Example 3

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme arenot compatible communication schemes. Additionally, the firstcommunication scheme and the third communication scheme are notcompatible communication schemes. Additionally, the second communicationscheme and the third communication scheme are not compatiblecommunication schemes.

Example 4

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme havedifferent average power consumptions. Additionally, the firstcommunication scheme and the third communication scheme have differentaverage power consumptions. Additionally, the second communicationscheme and the third communication scheme have different average powerconsumptions. As used herein, average power consumption may be theaverage power consumption in a state in which communication is beingperformed, and may be the average power consumption in standby in astate in which reception of a signal can be performed.

Example 5

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme havedifferent maximum transfer speeds. Additionally, the first communicationscheme and the third communication scheme have different maximumtransfer speeds. Additionally, the second communication scheme and thethird communication scheme have different maximum transfer speeds.

Example 6

The first communication scheme and the second communication scheme havedifferent communication ranges. Additionally, the first communicationscheme and the third communication scheme have different communicationranges. Additionally, the second communication scheme and the thirdcommunication scheme have different communication ranges.

Example 7

The first communication scheme and the second communication schemeperformed using different communication circuits. Additionally, thefirst communication scheme and the third communication scheme performedusing different communication circuits. Additionally, the secondcommunication scheme and the third communication scheme performed usingdifferent communication circuits. As used herein, a communicationcircuit is, for example, a circuit that performs processes forgenerating a modulated signal from transmission data in accordance withthe corresponding communication scheme and/or processes for obtainingreception data from a reception signal. Although the example above usesthe terminology “different communication circuits”, the twocommunication schemes may use different regions of a single integratedcircuit.

Example 8

The first communication scheme and the second communication schemecommunicate using different antennas. Additionally, the firstcommunication scheme and the third communication scheme communicateusing different antennas. Additionally, the second communication schemeand the third communication scheme communicate using different antennas.Although the example above uses the terminology “different antennas”,any of the first communication scheme, the second communication scheme,and the third communication scheme may be schemes for wiredcommunication or optical communication, and in such cases, instead of anantenna, communication is performed using, for example, a connectionterminal, a light emitting diode (LED), or a photodiode. In other words,the communication schemes may use different elements to performcommunication.

An example of operations performed after the wake-up operation in theflow of communication, relative to the time axis, between communicationdevice 103 and terminal #1 labeled 101, which are illustrated in FIG. 1,described in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 will be described again.

For example, in FIG. 4, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

Communication device 103 transmits wake-up frame 401, and in thisexample, wake-up frame 401 includes information indicating that softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 is transmitted using the modulated signal of base station#A labeled 100_1.

Accordingly, after first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station#A labeled 100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communicationpartner of second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled101, transmits a modulated signal including software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 401 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information. Terminal #1labeled 101 may transmit a modulated signal for notifying communicationdevice 103 or base station #A labeled 100_1 that first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 received wake-up frame401.

Accordingly, after second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up, second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signal includingsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Note that wake-up frame 401 may include information on the communicationdevices that transmitted the software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or the updated software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 (in this example, thecommunication devices are base station #A labeled 1001, base station #Blabeled 1002, and communication device 103), and based on thisinformation, terminal #1 labeled 101 can easily update the software.

For example, in FIG. 5, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

Communication device 103 transmits wake-up frame 401, and in thisexample, wake-up frame 401 includes information indicating that softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 is transmitted using the modulated signal of base station#B labeled 100_2.

Accordingly, after first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 401, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station#B labeled 100_2 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communicationpartner of third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled101, transmits a modulated signal including software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 401 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information. Terminal #1labeled 101 may transmit a modulated signal for notifying communicationdevice 103 or base station #B labeled 100_2 that first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 received wake-up frame401.

Accordingly, after third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up, third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signal includingsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof third transceiver device 225 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of third transceiver device 225, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 226 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Note that wake-up frame 401 may include information on the communicationdevices that transmitted the software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or the updated software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 (in this example, thecommunication devices are base station #A labeled 1001, base station #Blabeled 100_2, and communication device 103), and based on thisinformation, terminal #1 labeled 101 can easily update the software.

Hereinafter, another example will be given. In FIG. 5, after firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 receiveswake-up frame 402, second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, an example of subsequent operationswill be given.

Communication device 103 transmits wake-up frame 402, and in thisexample, wake-up frame 402 includes information indicating that softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 is transmitted using the modulated signal of base station#A labeled 100_1.

Accordingly, after first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 402, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station#A labeled 100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communicationpartner of second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled101, transmits a modulated signal including software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 402 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information. Terminal #1labeled 101 may transmit a modulated signal for notifying communicationdevice 103 or base station #A labeled 100_1 that first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 received wake-up frame402.

Accordingly, after second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up, second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signal includingsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Note that wake-up frame 402 may include information on the communicationdevices that transmitted the software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or the updated software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 (in this example, thecommunication devices are base station #A labeled 1001, base station #Blabeled 1002, and communication device 103), and based on thisinformation, terminal #1 labeled 101 can easily update the software.

As described above, implementing the present embodiment achieves theadvantageous effect that it is possible to reduce device powerconsumption by suitably controlling the waking up of the device.

Note that in the present embodiment, how the information and symbols areconfigured is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8,and FIG. 9. How the information and symbols are configured and the orderin which the information and symbols are transmitted are not limited tothe examples illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. Moreover, inaddition to the information and symbols illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8,and FIG. 9, other information, a control information symbol, a pilotsymbol, and/or a reference symbol may also be transmitted therewith.

Moreover, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, although the devices are referred to as“communication device”, “terminal”, and “base station”, the names ofthese devices are not limited thereto.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the communication schemes forwake-up using the first communication scheme were exemplified as the twocommunication schemes of the second communication scheme and the thirdcommunication scheme, but the number of communication schemes forwake-up using the first communication scheme is not limited to two; onemay be used, and three or more may be used.

Embodiment 2

In the present embodiment, an implementation example in which asatellite communication device is used will be described as a variationof Embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 11,elements that operate the same as in FIG. 1 share like reference signs.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 orgateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled 1101_3 using the firstcommunication scheme. Note that hereinafter, an example in whichterminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with gateway #1 labeled 1101_1using the first communication scheme will be given.

For example, terminal #1 labeled 101 generates a modulated signalconforming to the first communication scheme that includes first data,and transmits the modulated signal to gateway #1 labeled 1101_1. Gateway#1 labeled 1101_1 receives the modulated signal, performs processingsuch as demodulation and error correction decoding, and obtains thefirst data. Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 then transmits data including thefirst data to controller 1102, and also transmits data including thefirst data to communication device 1103. Although communication device1103 is exemplified here as a satellite communication device,communication device 1103 is not limited to this example.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes second data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 101. Terminal #1 labeled 101receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the second data.

Note that communication device 1103 transmits data including the seconddata to controller 1102, and controller 1102 transmits data includingthe second data to gateway #1 labeled 1101_1.

Here, communication (transmission and reception) between gateway #1labeled 1101_1 (or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled1101_3) and controller 1102 may be wireless communication, and,alternatively, may be wired communication. Accordingly, when gateway #1labeled 1101_1 (or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled1101_3) transmits data to controller 1102, the gateway may transmit thedata as-is to controller 1102, and, alternatively, may generate amodulated signal from the data transmit and the generated modulatedsignal to controller 1102. Similarly, when controller 1102 transmitsdata to gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 (or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 orgateway #3 labeled 1101_3), controller 1102 may transmit the data as-is,and, alternatively, may generate a modulated signal from the data andtransmit the generated modulated signal to gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 (orgateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled 1101_3).

Similarly, communication (transmission and reception) betweencommunication device 1103 and the controller may be wirelesscommunication, and, alternatively, may be wired communication.Accordingly, when communication device 1103 transmits data to controller1102, communication device 1103 may transmit the data as-is tocontroller 1102, and, alternatively, may generate a modulated signalfrom the data and transmit the generated modulated signal to controller1102. Similarly, when controller 1102 transmits data to communicationdevice 1103, controller 1102 may transmit the data as-is tocommunication device 1103, and, alternatively, may generate a modulatedsignal from the data and transmit the generated modulated signal tocommunication device 1103. Note that when communication device 1103 is asatellite communication device, the communication with the controller isassumed to be wireless communication.

Communication device 1103 transmits data obtained from controller 1102to, for example, a device such as a server via, for example, network10104.

Moreover, communication device 1103 obtains data from another device vianetwork 1104.

Note that when communication device 1103 is a satellite communicationdevice, network 1104 includes another satellite communication device anda communication device on Earth. Note that the communication device onEarth transmits a modulated signal including data to the satellitecommunication device. Moreover, the satellite communication devicetransmits a modulated signal including data to the communication deviceon Earth.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using a second communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled101 generates a modulated signal conforming to the second communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal to basestation #A labeled 100_1. Base station #A labeled 100_1 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Base station #A labeled 1001 generates a modulated signal conforming tothe second communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 101. Terminal #1 labeled 101receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using a third communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled 101generates a modulated signal conforming to the third communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal to basestation #B labeled 100_2. Base station #B labeled 100_2 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of terminal #1 labeled101 illustrated in FIG. 1. Transceiver device 205 illustrated in FIG. 2performs processing for transmission via the first communication scheme,and performs processing for reception via the first communicationscheme.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of data 207, performsprocessing for the first communication scheme, such as error correctionencoding, modulation, and frequency conversion, and generates andoutputs modulated signal 204 conforming to the first communicationscheme.

Modulated signal 204 conforming to the first communication scheme isthen output as radio waves from antenna 203.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of modulated signal 202conforming to the first communication scheme received via antenna 201,performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding,and obtains data 206.

Control determiner 208 receives an input of data 206, determines whetherto wake up second transceiver device 215, determines whether to wake upthird transceiver device 225, and determines whether to wake up deviceoperation function 210, and outputs control signal 209 includinginformation on these determinations.

Second transceiver device 215 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup second transceiver device 215.

Here, when the determination is to wake up second transceiver device215, if second transceiver device 215 is sleeping, second transceiverdevice 215 wakes up and begins communicating.

When the determination is to not wake up second transceiver device 215,if second transceiver device 215 is sleeping, second transceiver device215 keeps sleeping. Note that if second transceiver device 215 isoperating, second transceiver device 215 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Second transceiver device 215 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the second transceiver device, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of the second transceiverdevice is information indicating to stop operation of second transceiverdevice 215 and place second transceiver device 215 in standby, secondtransceiver device 215 stops operation and enters standby. This reducesthe power consumption of second transceiver device 215.

As described above, second transceiver device 215 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup second transceiver device 215, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting second transceiver device 215 to sleep.This point has already been described in Embodiment 1.

Similarly, third transceiver device 225 receives an input of controlsignal 209, and thereby obtains information on the determination ofwhether to wake up third transceiver device 225.

Here, when the determination is to wake up third transceiver device 225,if third transceiver device 225 is sleeping, third transceiver device225 wakes up and begins communicating.

When the determination is to not wake up third transceiver device 225,if third transceiver device 225 is sleeping, third transceiver device225 keeps sleeping. Note that if third transceiver device 225 isoperating, third transceiver device 225 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Third transceiver device 225 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the third transceiver device, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of the third transceiver deviceis information indicating to stop operation of third transceiver device225 and place third transceiver device 225 in standby, third transceiverdevice 225 stops operation and enters standby. This reduces the powerconsumption of third transceiver device 225.

As described above, third transceiver device 225 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup third transceiver device 225, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting third transceiver device 225 to sleep.This point has already been described in Embodiment 1.

Device operation function 210 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup device operation function 210.

Here, when the determination is to wake up device operation function210, if device operation function 210 is sleeping, device operationfunction 210 wakes up.

When the determination is to not wake up device operation function 210,if device operation function 210 is sleeping, device operation function210 keeps sleeping. Note that if device operation function 210 isoperating, device operation function 210 may sleep.

Second transceiver device 215, third transceiver device 225, and deviceoperation function 210 receive an input of operation control signal 250.Device operation function 210 is controlled according to controlinformation related to operation of the device operation function, whichis included in operation control signal 250. For example, when thecontrol information related to operation of device operation function210 is information indicating to stop operation of device operationfunction 210 and place device operation function 210 in standby, deviceoperation function 210 stops operation and enters standby. This reducesthe power consumption of device operation function 210.

As described above, device operation function 210 only operates itsdevice operation functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup device operation function 210, control signal 209 may also includecontrol information for putting device operation function 210 to sleep.This point has already been described in Embodiment 1.

Note that a device operation function is a function for an operation ofa device other than a communication device. For example, when the deviceillustrated in FIG. 2 is implemented in a vehicle, one example of thedevice operation function is a function for an operation related to thevehicle.

In another example, when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 is implementedin a home appliance, one example of the device operation function is afunction for an operation related to the home appliance. For example,when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 is implemented in a computer, thedevice operation function is a function for an operation related to thecomputer. In another example, when the device illustrated in FIG. 2 isimplemented in a television, the device operation function is a functionfor an operation related to the television. Although a vehicle and homeappliances are given as examples, devices other than communicationdevices are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a configuration of terminal #1 labeled101 illustrated in FIG. 1 that differs from the example illustrated inFIG. 2. FIG. 3 differs from FIG. 2 in that first transceiver device 205receives an input of control signal 209. Note that in FIG. 3, elementsthat operate the same as in FIG. 2 share like reference signs, andrepeated description thereof will be omitted.

Control determiner 208 receives an input of data 206, determines whetherto wake up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205,determines whether to wake up second transceiver device 215, determineswhether to wake up third transceiver device 225, and determines whetherto wake up device operation function 210, and outputs control signal 209including information on these determinations.

First transceiver device 205 receives an input of control signal 209,and thereby obtains information on the determination of whether to wakeup the transmission function of first transceiver device 205.

Here, when the determination is to wake up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205, if the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 is sleeping, the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 wakes up.

When the determination is to not wake up the transmission function offirst transceiver device 205, if the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 is sleeping, the transmission function of firsttransceiver device 205 keeps sleeping. Note that if the transmissionfunction of first transceiver device 205 is operating, the transmissionfunction of first transceiver device 205 may sleep.

First transceiver device 205, second transceiver device 215, thirdtransceiver device 225, and device operation function 210 receive aninput of operation control signal 250. First transceiver device 205 iscontrolled according to control information related to operation of thetransmission function of the first transceiver device, which is includedin operation control signal 250. For example, when the controlinformation related to operation of the transmission function of thefirst transceiver device is information indicating to stop operation ofthe transmission function of first transceiver device 205 and place thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 in standby, firsttransceiver device 205 stops operation of the transmission function andplaces the transmission function in standby. This reduces the powerconsumption of first transceiver device 205.

As described above, first transceiver device 205 only operates itscommunication functionality when required, in accordance with controlsignal 209 and operation control signal 250. This achieves theadvantageous effect of reduced power consumption.

In addition to the information on the determination of whether to wakeup the transmission function of first transceiver device 205, controlsignal 209 may also include control information for putting thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 to sleep. Thispoint has already been described in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates the flow of communication, relative to the timeaxis, between communication device 1103, controller 1102, and gateway #1labeled 1101_1 illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 and terminal #1labeled 101, which takes place after the communication illustrated inFIG. 12.

1200 in FIG. 12 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 1103, relative to the time axis.

1251 in FIG. 12 indicates an example of communication by controller1102, relative to the time axis, and 1252 in FIG. 12 indicates anexample of communication by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1, relative to thetime axis.

1300 in FIG. 13 indicates an example of communication by gateway #1labeled 11011, relative to the time axis.

1351 in FIG. 13 indicates an example of communication by firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1352 in FIG. 13 indicates an example of communication by secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1353 in FIG. 13 indicates an example of communication by thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, first, communication device 1103 transmits awake-up frame (1201). In this example, the transmission of the wake-upframe (1201) includes information indicating to wake up secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Moreover,the wake-up frame 1201 is exemplified as being transmitted bycommunication device 1103 and exemplified as being received bycontroller 1102.

Therefore, controller 1102 then receives wake-up frame 1201. Controller1102 then performs processing such as demodulation on wake-up frame1201, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wake up secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Moreover, controller 1102 receives wake-up frame 1201 and performsprocessing such as demodulation, thereby learning that wake-up frame1201 is information destined for terminal #1 labeled 101, and thusdetermines wake-up frame 1201 needs to be transmitted to gateway #1labeled 1101_1. Accordingly, controller 1102 transmits wake-up frame1202. In this example, wake-up frame 1202 includes informationindicating to wake up second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 then receives wake-up frame 1202. Next, asillustrated in FIG. 13, gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 transmits wake-upframe 1301. Wake-up frame 1301 includes information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Inthis example, the wake-up frame (1301) is transmitted by gateway #1labeled 11011, received by terminal #1 labeled 101, and configured as amodulated signal based on the first communication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 1301. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 1301, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#A labeled 100_1 and (second transceiver device 215 included in)terminal #1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 11 startcommunicating.

In FIG. 13, after communication starts, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (1311).

Note that wake-up frame 1201, wake-up frame 1202, and wake-up frame 1301in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may include information indicating to wake updevice operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Insuch cases, based on wake-up frame 1201, wake-up frame 1202, and wake-upframe 1301, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up device operation function210.

Moreover, wake-up frame 1201, wake-up frame 1202, and wake-up frame 1301in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may include information indicating to wake up thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 1201,wake-up frame 1202, and wake-up frame 1301, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

After the communication illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13,communication like that illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 may beperformed. This will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

FIG. 14 illustrates the flow of communication, relative to the timeaxis, between communication device 1103, controller 1102, and gateway #1labeled 1101_1 illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 and terminal #1labeled 101, which takes place after the communication illustrated inFIG. 14.

1400 in FIG. 14 indicates an example of communication by gateway #1labeled 1101_1, relative to the time axis.

1451 in FIG. 14 indicates an example of communication by controller1102, relative to the time axis, and 1452 in FIG. 14 indicates anexample of communication by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1, relative to thetime axis.

1500 in FIG. 15 indicates an example of communication by gateway #1labeled 11011, relative to the time axis.

1551 in FIG. 15 indicates an example of communication by firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1552 in FIG. 15 indicates an example of communication by secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1553 in FIG. 15 indicates an example of communication by thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, first, communication device 1103 transmits awake-up frame (1401). In this example, the transmission of the wake-upframe (1401) includes information indicating to wake up thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Moreover,the wake-up frame 1401 is transmitted by communication device 1103 andreceived by controller 1102.

Therefore, controller 1102 then receives wake-up frame 1401. Controller1102 then performs processing such as demodulation on wake-up frame1401, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wake up thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Moreover, controller 1102 receives wake-up frame 1401 and performsprocessing such as demodulation, thereby learning that wake-up frame1401 is information destined for terminal #1 labeled 101, and thusdetermines wake-up frame 1401 needs to be transmitted to gateway #1labeled 1101_1. Accordingly, controller 1102 transmits wake-up frame1402. In this example, wake-up frame 1402 includes informationindicating to wake up third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 then receives wake-up frame 1402. Next, asillustrated in FIG. 15, gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 transmits wake-upframe 1501. Wake-up frame 1501 includes information indicating to wakeup third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Inthis example, the wake-up frame (1501) is transmitted by gateway #1labeled 1101_1, received by terminal #1 labeled 101, and configured as amodulated signal based on the first communication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 1501. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 1501, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 15, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#B labeled 100_2 and (third transceiver device 225 included in) terminal#1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 11 start communicating.

In FIG. 15, after communication starts, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (1511).

Note that wake-up frame 1401, wake-up frame 1402, and wake-up frame 1501in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 may include information indicating to wake updevice operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Insuch cases, based on wake-up frame 1401, wake-up frame 1402, and wake-upframe 1501, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up device operation function210.

Moreover, wake-up frame 1401, wake-up frame 1402, and wake-up frame 1501in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 may include information indicating to wake up thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 1401,wake-up frame 1402, and wake-up frame 1501, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

Hereinafter, another communication example will be given.

FIG. 16 illustrates the flow of communication, relative to the timeaxis, between communication device 1103, controller 1102, and gateway #1labeled 1101_1 illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 illustrates one example of the flow of communication betweengateway #1 labeled 1101_1 and terminal #1 labeled 101, relative to thetime axis.

1600 in FIG. 16 indicates an example of communication by gateway #1labeled 1101_1, relative to the time axis.

1651 in FIG. 16 indicates an example of communication by controller1102, relative to the time axis, and 1652 in FIG. 16 indicates anexample of communication by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1, relative to thetime axis.

1700 in FIG. 17 indicates an example of communication by gateway #1labeled 11011, relative to the time axis.

1751 in FIG. 17 indicates an example of communication by firsttransceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1752 in FIG. 17 indicates an example of communication by secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

1753 in FIG. 17 indicates an example of communication by thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, relative tothe time axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, first, communication device 1103 transmits awake-up frame (1601). In this example, the transmission of the wake-upframe (1601) includes information indicating to wake up secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 andinformation indicating to wake up third transceiver device 225 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101.

Moreover, the wake-up frame 1601 is transmitted by communication device1103 and received by controller 1102.

Therefore, controller 1102 then receives wake-up frame 1601. Controller1102 then performs processing such as demodulation on wake-up frame1601, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wake up secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 and theinformation indicating to wake up third transceiver device 225 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101.

Moreover, controller 1102 receives wake-up frame 1601 and performsprocessing such as demodulation, thereby learning that wake-up frame1601 is information destined for terminal #1 labeled 101, and thusdetermines wake-up frame 1601 needs to be transmitted to gateway #1labeled 1101_1. Accordingly, controller 1102 transmits wake-up frame1602. In this example, wake-up frame 1602 includes informationindicating to wake up second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 and information indicating to wake up third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 then receives wake-up frame 1602. Next, asillustrated in FIG. 17, gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 transmits wake-upframe 1701. Wake-up frame 1701 includes information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 andinformation indicating to wake up third transceiver device 225 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101. In this example, the wake-up frame (1701) istransmitted by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1, received by terminal #1labeled 101, and configured as a modulated signal based on the firstcommunication scheme.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thenreceives wake-up frame 1701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 then performs processing such as demodulation onwake-up frame 1701, thereby obtaining the information indicating to wakeup second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 andthe information indicating to wake up third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 17, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#A labeled 100_1 and (second transceiver device 215 included in)terminal #1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 11 startcommunicating.

In FIG. 17, after communication starts, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (1711).

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 17, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Thereafter, base station#B labeled 100_2 and (third transceiver device 225 included in) terminal#1 labeled 101 that are illustrated in FIG. 11 start communicating.

In FIG. 17, after communication starts, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 is exemplified as transmitting aframe (1712).

Note that wake-up frame 1601, wake-up frame 1602, and wake-up frame 1701in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 may include information indicating to wake updevice operation function 210 included in terminal #1 labeled 101. Insuch cases, based on wake-up frame 1601, wake-up frame 1602, and wake-upframe 1701, terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up device operation function210.

Moreover, wake-up frame 1601, wake-up frame 1602, and wake-up frame 1701in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 may include information indicating to wake up thetransmission function of first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101. In such cases, based on wake-up frame 1601,wake-up frame 1602, and wake-up frame 1701, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up the transmission function of first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 101.

With this, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously woken up inresponse to the transmission of the wake-up frame, which eliminates theneed to transmit the wake-up frame a plurality of times. This isadvantageous as it increases data transmission speeds.

Next, examples of operations performed after the wake-up in FIG. 12,FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 will be given.

For example, in FIG. 13, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1301, second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter,examples of subsequent operations will be given.

After first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 1301, second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station #A labeled100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communication partner ofsecond transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101,transmits a modulated signal including software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 1301 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information.

In such cases, since second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 has been woken up, second transceiver device 215 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signalincluding software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

For example, in FIG. 15, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1501, third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

After first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101receives wake-up frame 1501, third transceiver device 225 included interminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station #B labeled100_2 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communication partner of thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, transmits amodulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or a modulated signal including updatedsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210. Note that wake-up frame 1501 may include information indicating towake up device operation function 210. Device operation function 210 maybe woken up by this information.

In such cases, since third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 has been woken up, third transceiver device 225 includedin terminal #1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signalincluding software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof third transceiver device 225 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of third transceiver device 225, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 226 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

FIG. 7 can be taken as one example of the configuration of wake-up frame1201, 1401, or 1601 transmitted by communication device 1103 in FIG. 12,FIG. 14, and FIG. 16. In FIG. 7, time is represented on the horizontalaxis.

Preamble 701 is a symbol for allowing the communication partner toperform time synchronization, frequency synchronization, framesynchronization, and/or channel estimation, etc.

Control information symbol 702 is a symbol for notifying thecommunication partner of, for example, communication rules. For example,control information symbol 702 is used for notifying the communicationscheme, modulation scheme, and/or error correction encoding scheme ofthe modulated signal, and notifying the data length and/or packetlength.

Wake-up related data symbol 703 is a symbol for notifying thecommunication partner of data related to a wake-up operation.

Data symbol 704 is a symbol for transmitting data to the communicationpartner.

Note that the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely onenon-limiting example. Moreover, the frame may additionally includesymbols not illustrated in FIG. 7.

Furthermore, although the terminology “preamble”, “control informationsymbol”, “wake-up related data symbol”, and “data symbol” is used inFIG. 7, the names of the corresponding symbols are not limited to theseexamples. For example, the “wake-up related data symbol” may be referredto by some other name.

Hereinafter, the configuration of wake-up related data symbol 703, whichis an important aspect of the present embodiment, will be described ingreater detail.

Configuration Example

One example of a configuration of wake-up related data symbol 703 isillustrated in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, wake-up related data symbol 703 includes, forexample, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to be wokenup, information 802 related to the communication scheme to be woken up,and information 803 related to waking up the device operation function.

Hereinafter, an example related to the configuration of information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up will be given.

For example, consider a case in which communication device 1103transmits wake-up frame 1201 and wakes up second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 via controller 1102 and gateway #1labeled 1101_1, that is to say, wakes up communication performed via thesecond communication scheme, as is illustrated in FIG. 12.

In this case, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up may be configured to include information indicating to wake upcommunication performed via the second communication scheme.

For example, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up is configured of the two bits of a0 and a1. In this case,communication device 1103 transmits a0 and a1. a0 and a1 are defined asfollows.

When a0=0 and a1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is not woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up.

When a0=1 and a1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up.

When a0=0 and a1=1, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is not woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is woken up.

When a0=1 and a1=1, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up, and communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is woken up.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up that includes the twobits a0 and a1 is included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted bycontroller 1102 and in wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1labeled 1101_1.

Hereinafter, another example will be given. In the example illustratedin FIG. 12, communication device 1103 transmits wake-up frame 1201 andwakes up second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled101 via controller 1102 and gateway #1 labeled 1101_1, that is to say,wakes up communication performed via the second communication scheme.Moreover, communication device 103 does not wake up third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101, that is to say, does notwake up communication performed via the third communication scheme.

In other words, information 801 indicating the communication scheme tobe woken up may be configured so as to include information indicating“wake up” or “do not wake up” on a per communication scheme basis.

When terminal #1 labeled 101 is configured like illustrated in FIG. 2 orFIG. 3, communication schemes via which communication is possibleinclude the second communication scheme and the third communicationscheme. Accordingly, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, information801 indicating the communication scheme to be woken up includesinformation indicating to wake up communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme and not wake up communication performed via thethird communication scheme.

For example, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up is configured of the two bits of b0 and b1. In this case,communication device 103 transmits b0 and b1. b0 and b1 are defined asfollows.

b0 is a bit related to communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme. When b0=0, communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme is not woken up, and when b0=1, communicationperformed via the second communication scheme is woken up.

b1 is a bit related to communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme. When b1=0, communication performed via the thirdcommunication scheme is not woken up, and when b1=1, communicationperformed via the third communication scheme is woken up.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up that includes the twobits b0 and b1 is included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted bycontroller 1102 and in wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1labeled 1101_1.

Communication device 1103 may transmit, along with information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up, information relatedto the communication scheme to be woken up.

For example, the second communication scheme supports communication viaa 25 MHz band modulated signal and communication via a 50 MHz bandmodulated signal. Moreover, for example, the second communication schemealso supports single carrier communication and orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) communication.

For example, communication device 1103 transmits at least informationindicating to wake up communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme in information 801 indicating the communicationscheme to be woken up. Here, for example, c0 and c1 are transmitted bycommunication device 1103 as information 801 indicating thecommunication scheme to be woken up. c0 and c1 are defined as follows.

When c0=0, communication via a 25 MHz band modulated signal is performedunder the second communication scheme, and when c0=1, communication viaa 50 MHz band modulated signal is performed under the secondcommunication scheme.

When c1=0, single carrier communication is performed under the secondcommunication scheme, and when c1=1, OFDM communication is performedunder the second communication scheme.

Communication device 1103 may transmit information 803 related to wakingup the device operation function. For example, information 803 relatedto waking up the device operation function is configured of the bit d0,and communication device 1103 transmits d0. In this example, d0 isdefined as follows.

When d0=0, device operation function 210 is not woken up, and when d0=1,device operation function 210 is woken up.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up that includes c0, c1,and d0 is included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted by controller1102 and in wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1.

Configuring wake-up related data symbol 703 in this way allows terminal#1 labeled 101 to obtain wake-up frame information, which makes itpossible to wake up a suitable device. This has the advantageous effectthat power consumption of terminal #1 labeled 101 can be reduced.

Hereinafter, yet another example will be given. Information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up may be configured soas to include information indicating “wake up”, “do not wake up”,“maintain current state”, or “undefined (reserved” on a percommunication scheme basis. For example, information 801 indicating thecommunication scheme to be woken up is configured of the four bits ofe0, e1, e2, and e3. In this case, communication device 1103 transmitse0, e1, e2, and e3. e0, e1, e2, and e3 are defined as follows.

When e0=0 and e1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is woken up.

When e0=1 and e1=0, communication performed via the second communicationscheme is put to sleep. For example, having received this information,terminal #1 labeled 101 puts second transceiver device 215 to sleep.This has the advantageous effect that terminal #1 labeled 101 canfurther reduce power consumption.

When e0=0 and e1=1, the current communication state of the secondcommunication scheme is maintained.

When e0=1 and e1=1, this indicates “undefined (or sleep)” (for example,upon receipt of this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 ignores theinformation (i.e., determines that the information is not valid);however, the information may be used at a later point in time).

When e2=0 and e3=0, communication performed via the third communicationscheme is woken up.

When e2=1 and e3=0, communication performed via the third communicationscheme is put to sleep. For example, having received this information,terminal #1 labeled 101 puts third transceiver device 225 to sleep. Thishas the advantageous effect that terminal #1 labeled 101 can furtherreduce power consumption.

When e2=0 and e3=1, the current communication state of the thirdcommunication scheme is maintained.

When e2=1 and e3=1, this indicates “undefined (or sleep)” (for example,upon receipt of this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 ignores theinformation (i.e., determines that the information is not valid);however, the information may be used at a later point in time).

It goes without saying that information equivalent to information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up that includes e0, e1,e2, and e3 is included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted bycontroller 1102 and in wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1labeled 1101_1.

Configuring wake-up related data symbol 703 in this way allows terminal#1 labeled 101 is controlled according to instruction by communicationdevice 103 so as to achieve a favorable communication state for each ofthe communication schemes. This has the advantageous effect that powerconsumption of terminal #1 labeled 101 can be reduced. Note that in theabove description, the available modes are exemplified as “wake up”,“sleep”, “maintain current state”, “undefined (reserved)”, but theavailable modes are not limited to this example. The available modes mayinclude one or more of “wake up”, “sleep”, “maintain current state”, and“undefined (reserved)”.

Hereinafter, yet another example will be given.

Communication device 1103 may transmit information 803 related to wakingup the device operation function. For example, information 803 relatedto waking up the device operation function is configured of the two bitsof f and f1, and communication device 1103 transmits f and f1. In thisexample, f0 is defined as follows.

When f0=0, device operation function 210 is not woken up, and when f)=1,device operation function 210 is woken up.

In this example, f1 is defined as emergency data. For example, f1 isinformation for notifying the device operation function of a significantdefect or information for stopping operation of the device operationfunction due there being a significant defect in the device operationfunction. In this example, f1 is defined as follows.

When f1=0, there is a significant defect in the device operationfunction, and when f1=1, this stops operation of the device operationfunction due there being a significant defect in the device operationfunction.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to information 803related to waking up the device operation function that includes f andf1 is included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted by controller 1102and in wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1.

This has the advantageous effect of being able to secure the safety ofterminal #1 labeled 101. Note that usage of the instruction describedabove that stops operation of the device operation function due therebeing a significant defect in the device operation function isimportant.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a configuration of wake-up relateddata symbol 703 that differs from the configuration illustrated in FIG.8. Note that in FIG. 9, time is represented on the horizontal axis.Moreover, elements that operate the same as in FIG. 8 share likereference signs, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. FIG.9 differs from FIG. 8 in regard to the inclusion of information 901 onterminals subject to the information indicating the communication schemeto be woken up and information 902 on terminals subject to theinformation related to waking up the device operation function.

For example, information 901 on terminals subject to the informationindicating the communication scheme to be woken up may be configured soas to include information indicating “multicast transmission” or“unicast transmission” on a per communication scheme basis.

When terminal #1 labeled 101 is configured like illustrated in FIG. 2 orFIG. 3, examples of information 801 indicating the communication schemeto be woken up include information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme andinformation related to waking up the communication performed via thethird communication scheme.

For example, information 901 on terminals subject to the informationindicating the communication scheme to be woken up is configured of thetwo bits of g0 and g1. In this case, communication device 1103 transmitsg0 and g1. g0 and g1 are defined as follows.

When controller 1102 and gateways labeled 1101_1, 1101_2, and 1101_3multicast the information related to waking up the communicationperformed via the second communication scheme, g0 is set to 0 (g0=0),and when controller 1102 and gateways labeled 11011, 1101_2, and 1101_3unicast the information related to waking up the communication performedvia the second communication scheme, g0 is set to 1 (g0=1).

When controller 1102 and gateways labeled 1101_1, 1101_2, and 1101_3multicast the information related to waking up the communicationperformed via the third communication scheme, g1 is set to 0 (g1=0), andwhen controller 1102 and gateways labeled 11011, 1101_2, and 1101_3unicast the information related to waking up the communication performedvia the third communication scheme, g1 is set to 1 (g1=1).

Moreover, when g0 is set to 1 (g0=1) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is to be unicast, information indicating the type and/orinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme may be transmitted by communication device 1103.Here, as a result of a terminal obtaining the information indicating thetype and/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme is valid ornot.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

Note that multicast refers to, for example in the case of FIG. 18,controller 1102 and gateways labeled 1101_1, 1101_2, and 1101_3transmitting modulated signals including the same information to aplurality of terminals, namely terminal #1 labeled 101, terminal #2labeled 1002, and terminal #3 labeled 1003.

Moreover, when g0 is set to 0 (g0=0) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is to be multicast, information indicating the type and/orinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the communication performed via the secondcommunication scheme may be transmitted by communication device 1103.Here, as a result of a terminal obtaining the information indicating thetype and/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the second communication scheme is valid ornot.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the second communicationscheme is valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

Moreover, when g1 is set to 1 (g1=1) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis to be unicast, information indicating the type and/or informationindicating a unique number (for example, the identification (ID) orserial number) of each of terminals subject to the information relatedto waking up the communication performed via the third communicationscheme may be transmitted by communication device 1103. Here, as aresult of a terminal obtaining the information indicating the typeand/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the third communication scheme is valid ornot.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

Moreover, when g1 is set to 0 (g1=0) and the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis to be multicast, information indicating the type and/or informationindicating a unique number (for example, the identification (ID) orserial number) of each of terminals subject to the information relatedto waking up the communication performed via the third communicationscheme may be transmitted by communication device 1103. Here, as aresult of a terminal obtaining the information indicating the typeand/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up thecommunication performed via the third communication scheme is valid ornot.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the communication performed via the third communication schemeis valid or not and performs control in accordance with thedetermination result. This achieves the advantageous effect thatappropriate control can be performed.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to this informationis included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted by controller 1102 andin wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1.

By carrying out the above, appropriate information can be transmitted toappropriate terminals to control their operation, which achieves theadvantageous effect that terminal power consumption can be reduced.

Information 902 on terminals subject to the information related towaking up the device operation function may be configured so as toinclude information indicating “multicast transmission” or “unicasttransmission”.

For example, information 902 on terminals subject to the informationrelated to waking up the device operation function is configured of thebit h0, and communication device 1103 transmits h0. h0 is defined asfollows.

When controller 1102 and gateways labeled 1101_1, 1101_2, and 1101_3multicast the information related to waking up the device operationfunction, h0 is set to 0 (h0=0), and when controller 1102 and gatewayslabeled 1101_1, 1101_2, and 1101_3 unicast the information related towaking up device operation function, h0 is set to 1 (h0=1).

Moreover, when h0 is set to 1 (h0=1) and the information related towaking up the device operation function is to be unicast, informationindicating the type and/or information indicating a unique number (forexample, the identification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminalssubject to the information related to waking up the device operationfunction may be transmitted by communication device 1103. Here, as aresult of a terminal obtaining the information indicating the typeand/or the information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminaldetermines whether the information related to waking up the deviceoperation function is valid or not.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the device operation function is valid or not and performscontrol in accordance with the determination result. This achieves theadvantageous effect that appropriate control can be performed.

When h0 is set to 0 (h0=0) and the information related to waking up thedevice operation function is to be multicast, information indicating thetype and/or information indicating a unique number (for example, theidentification (ID) or serial number) of each of terminals subject tothe information related to waking up the device operation function maybe transmitted by communication device 1103. Here, as a result of aterminal obtaining the information indicating the type and/or theinformation indicating a unique number (for example, the identification(ID) or serial number) of each of terminals, the terminal determineswhether the information related to waking up the device operationfunction is valid or not.

With this, a terminal determines whether the information related towaking up the device operation function is valid or not and performscontrol in accordance with the determination result. This achieves theadvantageous effect that appropriate control can be performed.

It goes without saying that information equivalent to this informationis included in the wake-up frame 1202 transmitted by controller 1102 andin wake-up frame 1301 transmitted by gateway #1 labeled 1101_1.

By carrying out the above, appropriate information can be transmitted toappropriate terminals to control their operation, which achieves theadvantageous effect that terminal power consumption can be reduced.

In the above description, terminal #1 labeled 101 performs operationssuch as “wake up”, “sleep”, and “maintain current state” for each partin accordance with instructions obtained via each of the items ofinformation transmitted by communication device 1103, controller 1102,and the gateways, namely information 801 indicating the communicationscheme to be woken up, information 802 related to the communicationscheme to be woken up, information 803 related to waking up the deviceoperation function, information 901 on terminals subject to theinformation indicating the communication scheme to be woken up, andinformation 902 on terminals subject to the information related towaking up the device operation function. This has the advantageouseffect that terminal #1 labeled 101 can reduce power consumption underappropriate control.

The relation between the first communication scheme, the secondcommunication scheme, and the third communication scheme has alreadybeen described in Embodiment 1.

Examples of operations performed after the wake-up in the communicationillustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, in the communication illustrated inFIG. 14 and FIG. 15, and in the communication illustrated in FIG. 16 andFIG. 17 will be described once again.

For example, in FIG. 13, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1301, second transceiverdevice 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

Communication device 1103 transmits wake-up frame 1301, and in thisexample, wake-up frame 1301 includes information indicating thatsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 is transmitted using the modulated signal of basestation #A labeled 100_1.

Note that this information may be included in wake-up frame 1201 and maybe included in wake-up frame 1202.

Accordingly, after first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1301, second transceiver device 215included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station#A labeled 100_1 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communicationpartner of second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled101, transmits a modulated signal including software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 1301 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information. Terminal #1labeled 101 may transmit a modulated signal for notifying communicationdevice 103 or base station #A labeled 100_1 that first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 received wake-up frame401.

Accordingly, after second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up, second transceiver device 215 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signal includingsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Secondtransceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof second transceiver device 215 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of second transceiver device 215, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 216 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Note that wake-up frame 1301 may include information on thecommunication devices that transmitted the software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or the updated softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 (inthis example, the communication devices are base station #A labeled1001, base station #B labeled 100_2, and communication device 103), andbased on this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 can easily update thesoftware.

For example, in FIG. 15, after first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1501, third transceiverdevice 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. Hereinafter, anexample of subsequent operations will be given.

Communication device 1103 transmits wake-up frame 1501, and in thisexample, wake-up frame 1501 includes information indicating thatsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 is transmitted using the modulated signal of basestation #B labeled 100_2.

Note that this information may be included in wake-up frame 1401 and maybe included in wake-up frame 1402.

Accordingly, after first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 1501, third transceiver device 225included in terminal #1 labeled 101 wakes up. At this time, base station#B labeled 100_2 illustrated in FIG. 1, which is the communicationpartner of third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled101, transmits a modulated signal including software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or a modulated signalincluding updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Note that wake-up frame 1501 may includeinformation indicating to wake up device operation function 210. Deviceoperation function 210 may be woken up by this information. Terminal #1labeled 101 may transmit a modulated signal for notifying communicationdevice 103 or base station #B labeled 100_2 that first transceiverdevice 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 received wake-up frame1501.

Accordingly, after third transceiver device 225 included in terminal #1labeled 101 wakes up, third transceiver device 225 included in terminal#1 labeled 101 is capable of receiving the modulated signal includingsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the modulated signal including updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210. Thirdtransceiver device 225 included in terminal #1 labeled 101 thendemodulates the modulated signal to obtain the software or the updatedsoftware.

Device operation function 210 obtaining the software or the updatedsoftware, and updating the software achieves the advantageous resultthat the device operation of device operation function 210 can operateas intended or that new functions can be added to the device operationof device operation function 210. Note that by executing the waking upof third transceiver device 225 and the updating of the software fordevice operation function 210 together, this has the advantageous effectof being able to execute the updating of the software for deviceoperation function 210 with more certainty.

Furthermore, by executing the waking up of device operation function210, the waking up of third transceiver device 225, and the updating ofthe software for device operation function 210 together, this has theadvantageous effect of being able to execute the updating of thesoftware for device operation function 210 with more certainty.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, device operation function 210 is illustrated asreceiving an input of data 226 (the dotted line). This is to obtain thesoftware data. Note that when device operation function 210 obtains thesoftware, the software is installed at a suitable time.

Note that wake-up frame 1501 may include information on thecommunication devices that transmitted the software data for executingan operation of device operation function 210 or the updated softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 (inthis example, the communication devices are base station #A labeled1001, base station #B labeled 100_2, and communication device 103), andbased on this information, terminal #1 labeled 101 can easily update thesoftware.

As described above, implementing the present embodiment achieves theadvantageous effect that it is possible to reduce device powerconsumption by suitably controlling the waking up of the device.

Note that in the present embodiment, how the information and symbols areconfigured is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8,and FIG. 9. How the information and symbols are configured and the orderin which the information and symbols are transmitted are not limited tothe examples illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. Moreover, inaddition to the information and symbols illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8,and FIG. 9, other information, a control information symbol, a pilotsymbol, and/or a reference symbol may also be transmitted therewith.

Moreover, in FIG. 11 and FIG. 18, although the devices are referred toas “communication device”, “controller” “gateway”, “terminal”, and “basestation”, the names of these devices are not limited thereto.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the communication schemes forwake-up using the first communication scheme were exemplified as the twocommunication schemes of the second communication scheme and the thirdcommunication scheme, but the number of communication schemes forwake-up using the first communication scheme is not limited to two; onemay be used, and three or more may be used.

Embodiment 3

In the present embodiment, an implementation example that utilizes thewake-up operation described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will begiven.

FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 19,elements that operate the same as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 share likereference signs.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with communication device 103using a first communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled1001 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 1001. Terminal #1 labeled 1001receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with communicationdevice 103 using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal#2 labeled 1002 generates a modulated signal conforming to the firstcommunication scheme that includes data, and transmits the modulatedsignal to communication device 103. Communication device 103 receivesthe modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #2 labeled 1002. Terminal #2 labeled 1002receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #3 labeled1003 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #3 labeled 1003. Terminal #3 labeled 1003receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #4 labeled1004 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #4 labeled 1004. Terminal #4 labeled 1004receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #5 labeled1005 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #5 labeled 1005. Terminal #5 labeled 1005receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #6 labeled1006 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #6 labeled 1006. Terminal #6 labeled 1006receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

For example, communication device 103 forwards, for example, dataobtained from another device to, for example, a server via, for example,network 106. The flow of data is indicated by the arrows labeled 108 and105, and the data flows in the listed order.

Communication device 103 transmits data obtained from another device toa device such as a server via network 106. The flow of data is indicatedby the arrows labeled 104 and 107, and the data flows in the listedorder.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of any one of terminal#1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003,terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6labeled 1006 illustrated in FIG. 19. As operations have already beendescribed in detail in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, repeateddescription will be omitted. Note that when terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do notsupport transmission and reception via the first communication scheme,these terminals do not include parts related to first transceiver device205. Similarly, when terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission andreception via the second communication scheme, these terminals do notinclude parts related to second transceiver device 215. Similarly, whenterminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal#6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission and reception via the thirdcommunication scheme, these terminals do not include parts related tothird transceiver device 225.

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between communication device 103, terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006illustrated in FIG. 19. Time is represented on the horizontal axis inFIG. 20.

2000 in FIG. 20 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 103, relative to the time axis.

2051 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2052 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #2 labeled 1002, relative to the time axis.

2053 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #3 labeled 1003, relative to the time axis.

2054 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #4 labeled 1004, relative to the time axis.

2055 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #5 labeled 1005, relative to the time axis.

2056 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #6 labeled 1006, relative to the time axis.

Note that in FIG. 20, illustration of the communication indicated by2052, 2053, 2054, and 2055 is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, first, communication device 103 transmitswake-up frame 2001. In this example, wake-up frame 2001 includesinformation indicating to wake up terminal #1 labeled 1001, wake upterminal #2 labeled 1002, wake up terminal #3 labeled 1003, wake upterminal #4 labeled 1004, wake up terminal #5 labeled 1005, and wake upterminal #6 labeled 1006. In this example, wake-up frame 2001 isconfigured as a modulated signal based on the first communicationscheme. Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, wake-upframe 2001 may be multicast (and may be unicast).

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001 thenreceives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 1001 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #1 labeled 1001. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #1labeled 1001 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #2 labeled 1002receives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #2 labeled 1002 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #2 labeled 1002. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #2labeled 1002 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #3 labeled 1003receives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #3 labeled 1003 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #3 labeled 1003. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #3labeled 1003 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #4 labeled 1004receives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #4 labeled 1004 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #4 labeled 1004. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #4labeled 1004 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #5 labeled 1005receives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #5 labeled 1005 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #5 labeled 1005. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #5labeled 1005 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #6 labeled 1006receives wake-up frame 2001. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #6 labeled 1006 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2001, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #6 labeled 1006. Accordingly, in FIG. 20, terminal #6labeled 1006 wakes up.

Although terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, andterminal #6 labeled 1006 are each exemplified as including firsttransceiver device 205 in FIG. 20, among terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006, there maybe a terminal that does not include first transceiver device 205. Insuch cases, such a terminal does not wake up.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 20, communication device 103 transmitsregistration frame 2002. As described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2and the like, communication device 103 may multicast registration frame2002. Next, registration frame 2002 will be described.

Communication device 103 illustrated in FIG. 19 is connected to a servervia network 106. The server or a device that communicates with theserver transmits a modulated signal including software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 or (a modulatedsignal including) updated software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 to communication device 103. The modulatedsignal including the software data is then transmitted to a terminal bycommunication device 103 (note that software is merely one example; whatis included in the modulated signal may be information other thansoftware).

Here, when communication device 103 and the server know which terminalsare capable of communicating with communication device 103, this isadvantageous as information such as software can be provided withcertainty.

Registration frame 2002 is a frame for knowing the status of a terminal.Accordingly, registration frame 2002 includes information instructing aterminal to transmit terminal-specific information. Theterminal-specific information is, for example, information thatindicates the type, model number, serial number, or identification (ID)of the terminal.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 20, terminal #1 labeled 1001receives registration frame 2002 and transmits frame 2011. Note thatframe 2011 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). As illustrated in FIG. 20,communication device 103 receives frame 2011, and thereby obtainsinformation related to terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 receives registration frame 2002 andtransmits frame 2012. Note that illustration of this is omitted in FIG.20. Note that frame 2012 includes the terminal-specific information (forexample, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal) for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and amodulated signal including this information is transmitted by terminal#2 labeled 1002 (in one example, this modulated signal is a modulatedsignal conforming to the first communication scheme). Communicationdevice 103 receives frame 2012, and thereby obtains information relatedto terminal #2 labeled 1002.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 then receives registration frame 2002 andtransmits frame 2013. Note that illustration of this is omitted in FIG.20. Note that frame 2013 includes the terminal-specific information (forexample, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal) for terminal #3 labeled 1003, and amodulated signal including this information is transmitted by terminal#3 labeled 1003 (in one example, this modulated signal is a modulatedsignal conforming to the first communication scheme). Communicationdevice 103 receives frame 2013, and thereby obtains information relatedto terminal #3 labeled 1003.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 receives registration frame 2002 and transmitsframe 2014. Note that illustration of this is omitted in FIG. 20. Notethat frame 2014 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #4 labeled 1004, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). Communication device 103 receivesframe 2014, and thereby obtains information related to terminal #4labeled 1004.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 receives registration frame 2002 and transmitsframe 2015. Note that illustration of this is omitted in FIG. 20. Notethat frame 2015 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). Communication device 103 receivesframe 2015, and thereby obtains information related to terminal #5labeled 1005.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 receives registration frame 2002 and transmitsframe 2016. Note that illustration of this is omitted in FIG. 20. Notethat frame 2016 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #6 labeled 1006, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). Communication device 103 receivesframe 2016, and thereby obtains information related to terminal #6labeled 1006.

Although terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, andterminal #6 labeled 1006 are each exemplified in the above descriptionas including first transceiver device 205 in FIG. 20, among terminal #1labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003,terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6labeled 1006, there may be a terminal that does not include firsttransceiver device 205, and in such cases, a terminal that does notinclude first transceiver device 205 does not receive registration frame2002 and does not transmit a frame.

Although communication device 103 is exemplified as transmitting wake-upframe 2001 in FIG. 20, communication device 103 need not transmitwake-up frame 2001. In such cases, when there are a plurality ofterminals, terminals that are awake receive registration frame 2002 andtransmit a frame that serves as a response.

Next, communication between communication device 103 and the server willbe described.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, communication device 103 receives a frametransmitted by each terminal. Communication device 103 performsprocessing such as demodulation on the frames, and obtainsterminal-specific information for each terminal (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal).

Hereinafter, an example of operations performed after communicationdevice 103 receives frame 2011 transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001,demodulates frame 2011, and obtains the terminal-specific informationfor terminal #1 labeled 1001 (for example, information that indicatesthe type, model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal) will bedescribed.

FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a configuration of communicationdevice 103. FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of aserver, which is one communication partner of communication device 103.

Transceiver device #A labeled 2105 receives an input of reception signal2102 received by antenna 2101, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains reception data 2106. Notethat reception signal 2102 is a reception signal of the modulated signaltransmitted by any one of, for example, terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 illustratedin FIG. 19.

Generator 2108 of data based on terminal-specific information receivesan input of reception data 2106, extracts terminal-specific informationincluded in reception data 2106, and outputs terminal-specificinformation 2109 (for example, information that indicates the type,model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal). For example, whenreception data 2106 is obtained by receiving a modulated signaltransmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal-specific information2109 is the terminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Transceiver device #B labeled 2111 receives inputs of data 2110 andterminal-specific information 2109, for example, generates a modulatedsignal based on this data, and outputs the result as transmission signal2112. Note that the communication partner of transceiver device #Blabeled 2111 is the server. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19,transceiver device #B labeled 2111 communicates with the server vianetwork 106.

Accordingly, reception device 2202 included in the server andillustrated in FIG. 22 receives an input of reception signal 2201corresponding to modulated signal 2112, performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on reception signal 2201, andoutputs reception data 2203.

Storage 2204 receives an input of reception data 2203, and extracts andstores the terminal-specific information included in reception data2203.

For example, when communication device 103 is communicating withterminal #1 labeled 1001, reception data 2203 includes theterminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and thusstorage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001.

Similarly, when communication device 103 is communicating with terminal#2 labeled 1002, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and thus storage 2204 storesthe terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled 1002.

When communication device 103 is communicating with terminal #6 labeled1006, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specific information forterminal #6 labeled 1006, and thus storage 2204 stores theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

Accordingly, once the server completes the reception of frame 2011transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, the reception of frame 2012transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002, the reception of frame 2013transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003, the reception of frame 2014transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004, the reception of frame 2015transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the reception of frame 2016transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #3 labeled 1003, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #4 labeled 1004, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #6 labeled 1006 are stored in storage 2204.

Transmission device 2207 receives an input of data 2206. In thisexample, data 2206 includes software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. In this example, thissoftware data includes information indicating devices that are eligiblefor this software.

Storage 2204 receives an input of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, which isincluded in data 2206, extracts the information indicating devices thatare eligible for the software, which is included in this software data,and compares this information indicating devices that are eligible forthe software with the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled1002, the terminal-specific information for terminal #3 labeled 1003,the terminal-specific information for terminal #4 labeled 1004, theterminal-specific information for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

In this example, the information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004,terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligibledevices. Thus, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating“eligible”.

Transmission device 2207 receives inputs of control signal 2205 and data2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “eligible”, performsprocessing such as error correction encoding on data included in thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, which is included in data 2206, and outputstransmission signal 2208. Note that transmission signal 2208 may includeinformation indicating the destination address of terminal in thetransmission of the modulated signal by communication device 103.

Communication device 103 receives transmission signal 2208 via network106, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding to obtain the software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210, generates a modulated signalincluding this data, and transmits the modulated signal to destinationterminals. Note that this modulated signal is a modulated signalconforming to the first communication scheme.

On the other hand, when information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates that none of terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 areeligible, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating “noteligible”.

Transmission device 2207 then receives inputs of control signal 2205 anddata 2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “not eligible”,transmission device 2207 does not output transmission signal 2208.

An example of the above operations will be given with reference to FIG.23. For example, a case in which communication device 103 transmits, toterminal #1 labeled 1001, software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 will be described.

In FIG. 23, 2000 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 103, relative to the time axis.

2051 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2052 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #2 labeled 1002, relative to the time axis.

2053 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #3 labeled 1003, relative to the time axis.

2054 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #4 labeled 1004, relative to the time axis.

2055 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #5 labeled 1005, relative to the time axis.

2056 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #6 labeled 1006, relative to the time axis.

A modulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 reaches communication device103 from the server, which is the communication partner of communicationdevice 103, via network 106. Here, terminal #1 labeled 1001 is eligiblefor this software. Here, in order to transmit the software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 or updatedsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, communication device 103 transmitswake-up frame 2301 to terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives wake-up frame 2301, and terminal #1labeled 1001 wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits frame 2302. Frame 2302 includessoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Here, terminal #1 labeled 1001 is eligible forthis software.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 then receives frame 2302. Terminal #1 labeled1001 then updates its software using the software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or the updated software datafor executing an operation of device operation function 210 that isincluded in frame 2302. Note that an example of operations performed upto the obtaining of this software has already been described.

Although communication device 103 is exemplified as transmitting wake-upframe 2301 in FIG. 23, communication device 103 need not transmitwake-up frame 2301.

In the present embodiment, instead of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, data indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 (for example, anaddress or uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page or server) maybe used in the implementation of the present embodiment.

In such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtains information indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, accesses theaccess destination, obtains the software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, and updates itssoftware. Note that terminal #1 labeled 1001 may access base station #Alabeled 100_1 and/or base station #B labeled 100_2 in FIG. 24 in orderto obtain information indicating an access destination to downloadsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, access the access destination, and obtain thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 (in such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtainsthe software from base station #A labeled 100_1 and/or base station #Blabeled 100_2 in FIG. 24). Note that FIG. 24 will be described later.

As described above, terminal-specific information for the terminal thatis a communication partner of communication device 103 is provided tocommunication device 103 and the server that is a communication partnerof communication device 103, and as a result of the server andcommunication device 103 controlling the provision of software based onthis information, the advantageous effect that wireless resources can beefficiently utilized can be achieved since terminal software can beupdated precisely and the transmission of software information can befavorably controlled.

Although the devices in the present embodiment are named “communicationdevice”, “terminal”, and “server”, the names of these devices are notlimited to these examples.

Embodiment 4

In the present embodiment, a variation of Embodiment 3 will bedescribed.

FIG. 24 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 24,elements that operate the same as in FIG. 1, FIG. 10, and FIG. 19 sharelike reference signs.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #1 labeled1001 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #1 labeled 1001. Terminal #1 labeled 1001receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with communicationdevice 103 using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal#2 labeled 1002 generates a modulated signal conforming to the firstcommunication scheme that includes data, and transmits the modulatedsignal to communication device 103. Communication device 103 receivesthe modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #2 labeled 1002. Terminal #2 labeled 1002receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #3 labeled1003 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #3 labeled 1003. Terminal #3 labeled 1003receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #4 labeled1004 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #4 labeled 1004. Terminal #4 labeled 1004receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #5 labeled1005 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #5 labeled 1005. Terminal #5 labeled 1005receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with communication device 103using the first communication scheme. For example, terminal #6 labeled1006 generates a modulated signal conforming to the first communicationscheme that includes data, and transmits the modulated signal tocommunication device 103. Communication device 103 receives themodulated signal, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding, and obtains the data.

Communication device 103 generates a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme that includes data, and transmits themodulated signal to terminal #6 labeled 1006. Terminal #6 labeled 1006receives the modulated signal, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains the data.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme. This has already been describedin Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with base station #Alabeled 100_1 using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme. This has already been described inEmbodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with base station #Blabeled 100_2 using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

For example, communication device 103 forwards, for example, dataobtained from another device to, for example, a server via, for example,network 106. The flow of data is indicated by the arrows labeled 108 and105, and the data flows in the listed order.

Communication device 103 transmits data obtained from another device toa device such as a server via network 106. The flow of data is indicatedby the arrows labeled 104 and 107, and the data flows in the listedorder.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of any one of terminal#1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003,terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6labeled 1006 illustrated in FIG. 24. As operations have already beendescribed in detail in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, repeateddescription will be omitted. Note that when terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do notsupport transmission and reception via the first communication scheme,these terminals do not include parts related to first transceiver device205. Moreover, when terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission andreception via the second communication scheme, these terminals do notinclude parts related to second transceiver device 215. Similarly, whenterminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal#6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission and reception via the thirdcommunication scheme, these terminals do not include parts related tothird transceiver device 225.

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between communication device 103, terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006illustrated in FIG. 24. Time is represented on the horizontal axis inFIG. 20. As operations have already been described in Embodiment 3,repeated description will be omitted.

Next, communication between communication device 103 and the server willbe described.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, communication device 103 receives a frametransmitted by each terminal. Communication device 103 performsprocessing such as demodulation on the frames, and obtainsterminal-specific information for each terminal (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal).

Hereinafter, an example of operations performed after communicationdevice 103 receives frame 2011 transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001,demodulates frame 2011, and obtains the terminal-specific informationfor terminal #1 labeled 1001 (for example, information that indicatesthe type, model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal) will bedescribed.

FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a configuration of communicationdevice 103. FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of aserver, which a communication partner of communication device 103.

Transceiver device #A labeled 2105 receives an input of reception signal2102 received by antenna 2101, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains reception data 2106. Notethat reception signal 2102 is a reception signal of the modulated signaltransmitted by any one of for example, terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 illustratedin FIG. 19.

Generator 2108 of data based on terminal-specific information receivesan input of reception data 2106, extracts terminal-specific informationincluded in reception data 2106, and outputs terminal-specificinformation 2109 (for example, information that indicates the type,model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal). For example, whenreception data 2106 is obtained by receiving a modulated signaltransmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal-specific information2109 is the terminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Transceiver device #B labeled 2111 receives inputs of data 2110 andterminal-specific information 2109, for example, generates a modulatedsignal based on this data, and outputs the result as transmission signal2112. Note that the communication partner of transceiver device #Blabeled 2111 is the server. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19,transceiver device #B labeled 2111 communicates with the server vianetwork 106.

Accordingly, reception device 2202 included in the server andillustrated in FIG. 22 receives an input of reception signal 2201corresponding to modulated signal 2112, performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on reception signal 2201, andoutputs reception data 2203.

Storage 2204 receives an input of reception data 2203, and extracts andstores the terminal-specific information included in reception data2203.

For example, when communication device 103 is communicating withterminal #1 labeled 1001, reception data 2203 includes theterminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and thusstorage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001.

Similarly, when communication device 103 is communicating with terminal#2 labeled 1002, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and thus storage 2204 storesthe terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled 1002.

When communication device 103 is communicating with terminal #6 labeled1006, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specific information forterminal #6 labeled 1006, and thus storage 2204 stores theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

Accordingly, once the server completes the reception of frame 2011transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, the reception of frame 2012transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002, the reception of frame 2013transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003, the reception of frame 2014transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004, the reception of frame 2015transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the reception of frame 2016transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #3 labeled 1003, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #4 labeled 1004, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #6 labeled 1006 are stored in storage 2204.

Generator 2108 of data based on terminal-specific information in FIG. 21receives an input of reception data 2106, extracts terminal-specificinformation included in reception data 2106, and outputsterminal-specific information 2109. Here, terminal-specific information2109 may include information indicating communication schemes that eachterminal supports. For example, when reception data 2106 is obtained byreceiving a modulated signal transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal-specific information 2109 is the terminal-specific informationfor terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Transceiver device #B labeled 2111 receives inputs of data 2110 andterminal-specific information 2109, for example, generates a modulatedsignal based on this data, and outputs the result as transmission signal2112. Note that the communication partner of transceiver device #Blabeled 2111 is the server. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19,transceiver device #B labeled 2111 communicates with the server vianetwork 106.

Accordingly, reception device 2202 included in the server andillustrated in FIG. 22 receives an input of reception signal 2201corresponding to modulated signal 2112, performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on reception signal 2201, andoutputs reception data 2203.

Storage 2204 receives an input of reception data 2203, and extracts andstores the terminal-specific information included in reception data2203.

For example, when communication device 103 is communicating withterminal #1 labeled 1001, reception data 2203 includes theterminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and thusstorage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001.

Similarly, when communication device 103 is communicating with terminal#2 labeled 1002, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and thus storage 2204 storesthe terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled 1002.

When communication device 103 is communicating with terminal #6 labeled1006, reception data 2203 includes the terminal-specific information forterminal #6 labeled 1006, and thus storage 2204 stores theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

Accordingly, once the server completes the reception of frame 2011transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, the reception of frame 2012transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002, the reception of frame 2013transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003, the reception of frame 2014transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004, the reception of frame 2015transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the reception of frame 2016transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #3 labeled 1003, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #4 labeled 1004, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #6 labeled 1006 are stored in storage 2204.

Transmission device 2207 receives an input of data 2206. In thisexample, data 2206 includes software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. In this example, thissoftware data includes information indicating devices that are eligiblefor this software.

Storage 2204 receives an input of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, which isincluded in data 2206, extracts the information indicating devices thatare eligible for the software, which is included in this software data,and compares this information indicating devices that are eligible forthe software with the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled1002, the terminal-specific information for terminal #3 labeled 1003,the terminal-specific information for terminal #4 labeled 1004, theterminal-specific information for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

In this example, the information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004,terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligibledevices. Thus, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating“eligible”.

When the information indicating devices that are eligible for thesoftware indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligible devices,storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 including informationindicating communication schemes that eligible terminals support.

Transmission device 2207 receives inputs of control signal 2205 and data2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “eligible”, performsprocessing such as error correction encoding on data included in thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, which is included in data 2206, and outputstransmission signal 2208. Note that the destination of transmissionsignal 2208 is a communication device that is capable of communicationvia a communication scheme supported by terminals eligible for thesoftware as indicated in the information indicating the communicationschemes that the eligible terminals support. In the present embodiment,the destination communication device is base station #A labeled 100_1 orbase station #B labeled 100_2 illustrated in FIG. 24.

Base station #A labeled 100_1 or base station #B labeled 100_2illustrated in FIG. 24 receives transmission signal 2208 and performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding to obtainsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. The base station then generates a modulatedsignal including this data and transmits the modulated signal to adestination terminal.

On the other hand, when information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates that none of terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 areeligible, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating “noteligible”.

Transmission device 2207 then receives inputs of control signal 2205 anddata 2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “not eligible”,transmission device 2207 does not output transmission signal 2208.

An example of the above operations will be given with reference to FIG.25. For example, a case in which base station #A labeled 100_1illustrated in FIG. 24 transmits, to terminal #1 labeled 1001, softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 will be described.

In FIG. 25, 2500 is an example of communication by communication device103, relative to the time axis.

2531 is an example of communication by base station #A labeled 100_1,relative to the time axis.

2551 indicates an example of communication by first transceiver device205 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2552 indicates an example of communication by second transceiver device215 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2553 indicates an example of communication by third transceiver device225 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

Communication device 103 transmits wake-up frame 2501 to terminal #1labeled 1001.

In this example, the server transmits, to base station #A labeled 100_1,a modulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. Here, terminal #1 labeled1001 is eligible for this software. Accordingly, base station #A labeled100_1 obtains the software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. Terminal #1 labeled 1001(first transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001)receives wake-up frame 2501 and wakes up.

Accordingly, base station #A labeled 100_1 transmits frame 2502including the software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 or the updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 (second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 1001) then receives frame 2502. Terminal #1 labeled1001 (second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled1001) then updates its software using the software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 that is includedin frame 2502. Note that an example of operations performed up to theobtaining of this software has already been described.

Although communication device 103 is exemplified as transmitting wake-upframe 2501 in FIG. 25, communication device 103 need not transmitwake-up frame 2501.

In the present embodiment, instead of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, data indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 (for example, anaddress or uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page or server) maybe used in the implementation of the present embodiment.

In such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtains information indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, accesses theaccess destination, obtains the software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, and updates itssoftware.

As described above, terminal-specific information for the terminal thatis a communication partner of communication device 103 is provided tocommunication device 103 and the server that is a communication partnerof communication device 103, and as a result of the server andcommunication device 103 controlling the provision of software based onthis information, the advantageous effect that wireless resources can beefficiently utilized can be achieved since terminal software can beupdated precisely and the transmission of software information can befavorably controlled.

Although the devices in the present embodiment are named “communicationdevice”, “terminal”, and “server” the names of these devices are notlimited to these examples.

Embodiment 5

In the present embodiment, an implementation example that utilizes thewake-up operation described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will begiven.

FIG. 26 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 26,elements that operate the same as in FIG. 1, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 sharelike reference signs.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme. As operations have already been described indetail in Embodiment 2, repeated description will be omitted.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with a gateway usingthe first communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 communicates with controller 1102, gateway #2labeled 1101_2 communicates with controller 1102, and gateway #3 labeled1101_3 communicates with controller 1102. As operations have alreadybeen described in detail in Embodiment 2, repeated description will beomitted.

Controller 1102 communicates with communication device 1103. Asoperations have already been described in detail in Embodiment 2,repeated description will be omitted.

For example, communication device 1103 is communicating with a servervia network 1104.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of any one of terminal#1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003,terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6labeled 1006 illustrated in FIG. 19. As operations have already beendescribed in detail in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, repeateddescription will be omitted. Note that when terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do notsupport transmission and reception via the first communication scheme,these terminals do not include parts related to first transceiver device205. Moreover, when terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission andreception via the second communication scheme, these terminals do notinclude parts related to second transceiver device 215. Similarly, whenterminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal#6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission and reception via the thirdcommunication scheme, these terminals do not include parts related tothird transceiver device 225.

FIG. 27 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between communication device 1103, terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006illustrated in FIG. 26. Time is represented on the horizontal axis inFIG. 27.

2700 in FIG. 27 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 1103, relative to the time axis.

2751 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2752 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #2 labeled 1002, relative to the time axis.

2753 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #3 labeled 1003, relative to the time axis.

2754 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #4 labeled 1004, relative to the time axis.

2755 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #5 labeled 1005, relative to the time axis.

2756 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #6 labeled 1006, relative to the time axis.

Note that in FIG. 27, illustration of the communication indicated by2752, 2753, 2754, and 2755 is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, first, communication device 103 transmitswake-up frame 2701. Here, in this example, wake-up frame 2701 includesinformation indicating to wake up terminal #1 labeled 1001, wake upterminal #2 labeled 1002, wake up terminal #3 labeled 1003, wake upterminal #4 labeled 1004, wake up terminal #5 labeled 1005, and wake upterminal #6 labeled 1006. Communication device 1103 transmits wake-upframe 2701 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 via controller 1102 and gateway #1labeled 11011 or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled 1101_3.Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, wake-up frame2701 may be multicast (and may be unicast).

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001 thenreceives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 1001 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #1 labeled 1001. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #1labeled 1001 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #2 labeled 1002receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #2 labeled 1002 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #2 labeled 1002. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #2labeled 1002 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #3 labeled 1003receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #3 labeled 1003 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #3 labeled 1003. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #3labeled 1003 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #4 labeled 1004receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #4 labeled 1004 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #4 labeled 1004. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #4labeled 1004 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #5 labeled 1005receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #5 labeled 1005 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #5 labeled 1005. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #5labeled 1005 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #6 labeled 1006receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #6 labeled 1006 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #6 labeled 1006. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #6labeled 1006 wakes up.

Although terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, andterminal #6 labeled 1006 are each exemplified as including firsttransceiver device 205 in FIG. 27, among terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006, there maybe a terminal that does not include first transceiver device 205. Insuch cases, such a terminal does not wake up.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 27, communication device 1103 transmitsregistration frame 2702. Communication device 1103 transmitsregistration frame 2702 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 via controller 1102 andgateway #1 labeled 11011 or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3labeled 1101_3. Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2,registration frame 2702 may be multicast (and may be unicast). Next,registration frame 2702 will be described in greater detail.

Communication device 1103 illustrated in FIG. 26 is connected to aserver via network 1104. The server or a device that communicates withthe server transmits a modulated signal including software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 or (a modulatedsignal including) updated software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 to communication device 1103.Communication device 1103 transmits a modulated signal including thissoftware data to a terminal via controller 1102 and gateway #1 labeled1101_1 or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled 1101_3(although software data is used as an example here, the information thatis transmitted may be some other information).

Here, when communication device 1103 and the server know which terminalsare capable of communicating with communication device 1103, this isadvantageous as information such as software can be provided withcertainty. When controller 1102 also knows which terminals are capableof communicating with communication device 1103, this is advantageous asinformation such as software can be provided with certainty.

Registration frame 2702 is a frame for knowing the status of a terminal.Accordingly, registration frame 2702 includes information instructing aterminal to transmit terminal-specific information. Theterminal-specific information is, for example, information thatindicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #1 labeled 1001receives registration frame 2701 and transmits frame 2711. Note thatframe 2711 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, anyone of gateway #1 labeled 11011, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway#3 labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2711 and obtains information related toterminal #1 labeled 1001, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #2 labeled 1002 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2712. Note that frame 2712includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 11011, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2712 and obtains information related toterminal #2 labeled 1002, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #3 labeled 1003 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2713. Note that frame 2713includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #3 labeled 1003, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2713 and obtains information related toterminal #3 labeled 1003, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #4 labeled 1004 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2714. Note that frame 2714includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #4 labeled 1004, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2714 and obtains information related toterminal #4 labeled 1004, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #5 labeled 1005 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2715. Note that frame 2715includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 11011, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2715 and obtains information related toterminal #5 labeled 1005, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #6 labeled 1006 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2716. Note that frame 2716includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #6 labeled 1006, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2716 and obtains information related toterminal #6 labeled 1006, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

Although communication device 1103 is exemplified as transmittingwake-up frame 2701 in FIG. 27, communication device 1103 need nottransmit wake-up frame 2701. In such cases, when there are a pluralityof terminals, terminals that are awake receive registration frame 2702via controller 1102 and a gateway, and transmit a frame that serves as aresponse.

Next, communication between communication device 1103 and the serverwill be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, communication device 1103 receives a frametransmitted by each terminal via a gateway and controller 1102.

Communication device 1103 performs processing such as demodulation onthe frames, and obtains terminal-specific information for each terminal(for example, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal).

Hereinafter, an example of operations performed after communicationdevice 1103 receives, via a gateway and controller 1102, frame 2711transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, demodulates frame 2711, andobtains the terminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001(for example, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal) will be described.

FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a configuration of communicationdevice 1103. FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of aserver, which is one communication partner of communication device 1103.

Transceiver device #A labeled 2105 receives an input of reception signal2102 received by antenna 2101, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains reception data 2106. Notethat reception signal 2102 corresponds to the modulated signaltransmitted by controller 1102 illustrated in FIG. 26.

Generator 2108 of data based on terminal-specific information receivesan input of reception data 2106, extracts terminal-specific informationincluded in reception data 2106, and outputs terminal-specificinformation 2109 (for example, information that indicates the type,model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal). For example, whenreception data 2106 is obtained by receiving, via a gateway andcontroller 1102, a modulated signal transmitted by terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal-specific information 2109 is the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Transceiver device #B labeled 2111 receives inputs of data 2110 andterminal-specific information 2109, for example, generates a modulatedsignal based on this data, and outputs the result as transmission signal2112. Note that the communication partner of transceiver device #Blabeled 2111 is the server. In the example illustrated in FIG. 26,transceiver device #B labeled 2111 communicates with the server vianetwork 1104.

Accordingly, reception device 2202 included in the server andillustrated in FIG. 22 receives an input of reception signal 2201corresponding to modulated signal 2112, performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on reception signal 2201, andoutputs reception data 2203.

Storage 2204 receives an input of reception data 2203, and extracts andstores the terminal-specific information included in reception data2203.

For example, when communication device 1103 is communicating withterminal #1 labeled 1001 via controller 1102 and a gateway, receptiondata 2203 includes the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, and thus storage 2204 stores the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Similarly, when communication device 1103 is communicating with terminal#2 labeled 1002 via controller 1102 and a gateway, reception data 2203includes the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled 1002,and thus storage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information forterminal #2 labeled 1002.

When communication device 1103 is communicating with terminal #6 labeled1006 via controller 1102 and a gateway, reception data 2203 includes theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006, and thusstorage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information for terminal #6labeled 1006.

Accordingly, once the server completes the reception of frame 2711transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, the reception of frame 2712transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002, the reception of frame 2713transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003, the reception of frame 2714transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004, the reception of frame 2715transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the reception of frame 2716transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #3 labeled 1003, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #4 labeled 1004, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #6 labeled 1006 are stored in storage 2204.

Transmission device 2207 receives an input of data 2206. In thisexample, data 2206 includes software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. In this example, thissoftware data includes information indicating devices that are eligiblefor this software.

Storage 2204 receives an input of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, which isincluded in data 2206, extracts the information indicating devices thatare eligible for the software, which is included in this software data,and compares this information indicating devices that are eligible forthe software with the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled1002, the terminal-specific information for terminal #3 labeled 1003,the terminal-specific information for terminal #4 labeled 1004, theterminal-specific information for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

In this example, the information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004,terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligibledevices. Thus, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating“eligible”.

Transmission device 2207 receives inputs of control signal 2205 and data2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “eligible”, performsprocessing such as error correction encoding on data included in thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, which is included in data 2206, and outputstransmission signal 2208. Note that transmission signal 2208 may includeinformation indicating the destination address of terminal in thetransmission of the modulated signal by communication device 1103.

Communication device 1103 then receives transmission signal 2208 vianetwork 1104, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding to obtain the software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or the updated software datafor executing an operation of device operation function 210, generates amodulated signal including this data, and transmits the generatedmodulated signal to controller 1102, whereby the modulated signalreaches the destination terminal via a gateway. On the other hand, wheninformation indicating devices that are eligible for the softwareindicates that none of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 are eligible, storage 2204outputs control signal 2205 indicating “not eligible”.

Transmission device 2207 then receives inputs of control signal 2205 anddata 2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “not eligible”,transmission device 2207 does not output transmission signal 2208.

An example of the above operations will be given with reference to FIG.28. For example, a case in which communication device 1103 transmits, toterminal #1 labeled 1001 via controller 1102 and a gateway, softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 will be described.

In FIG. 28, 2800 is an example of communication by communication device1103, relative to the time axis.

2851 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2852 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #2 labeled 1002, relative to the time axis.

2853 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #3 labeled 1003, relative to the time axis.

2854 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #4 labeled 1004, relative to the time axis.

2855 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #5 labeled 1005, relative to the time axis.

2856 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #6 labeled 1006, relative to the time axis.

A modulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 reaches communication device1103 from the server, which is the communication partner ofcommunication device 1103, via network 1104. Here, terminal #1 labeled1001 is eligible for this software. Here, in order to transmit thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, communication device1103 transmits wake-up frame 2301 to terminal #1 labeled 1001 viacontroller 1102 and a gateway.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives wake-up frame 2801 via controller 1102and a gateway, and wakes up.

Communication device 1103 then transmits frame 2802. Frame 2802 includessoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210. Here, terminal #1 labeled 1001 is eligible forthis software.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 then receives frame 2802 via controller 1102and a gateway. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 then updates its software usingthe software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 or updated software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 that is included in frame 2802. Note thatan example of operations performed up to the obtaining of this softwarehas already been described.

Although communication device 1103 is exemplified as transmittingwake-up frame 2801 in FIG. 28, communication device 1103 need nottransmit wake-up frame 2801.

In the present embodiment, instead of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, data indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 (for example, anaddress or uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page or server) maybe used in the implementation of the present embodiment.

In such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtains information indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, accesses theaccess destination, obtains the software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, and updates itssoftware. Note that terminal #1 labeled 1001 may access base station #Alabeled 100_1 and/or base station #B labeled 100_2 in FIG. 29 in orderto obtain information indicating an access destination to downloadsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, access the access destination, and obtain thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 (in such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtainsthe software from base station #A labeled 100_1 and/or base station #Blabeled 100_2 in FIG. 28). Note that FIG. 29 will be described later.

As described above, terminal-specific information for the terminal thatis a communication partner of communication device 1103 via thecontroller and a gateway, is provided to communication device 1103 andthe server that is a communication partner of communication device 1103,and as a result of the server and communication device 1103 controllingthe provision of software based on this information, the advantageouseffect that wireless resources can be efficiently utilized can beachieved since terminal software can be updated precisely and thetransmission of software information can be favorably controlled.

Although the devices in the present embodiment are named “communicationdevice”, “terminal”, and “server”, the names of these devices are notlimited to these examples.

Embodiment 6

In the present embodiment, a variation of Embodiment 5 will bedescribed.

FIG. 29 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 29,elements that operate the same as in FIG. 1, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 sharelike reference signs.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme. As operations have already been described indetail in Embodiment 2, repeated description will be omitted.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with a gateway usingthe first communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with a gateway using the firstcommunication scheme.

Gateway #1 labeled 1101_1 communicates with controller 1102, gateway #2labeled 1101_2 communicates with controller 1102, and gateway #3 labeled1101_3 communicates with controller 1102. As operations have alreadybeen described in detail in Embodiment 2, repeated description will beomitted.

Controller 1102 communicates with communication device 1103. Asoperations have already been described in detail in Embodiment 2,repeated description will be omitted.

For example, communication device 1103 is communicating with a servervia network 1104.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme. This has already been describedin Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with base station #Alabeled 100_1 using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with base station #A labeled 100_1using the second communication scheme.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme. This has already been described inEmbodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Similarly, terminal #2 labeled 1002 communicates with base station #Blabeled 100_2 using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #3 labeled 1003 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #4 labeled 1004 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #5 labeled 1005 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

Terminal #6 labeled 1006 communicates with base station #B labeled 100_2using the third communication scheme.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of any one of terminal#1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003,terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6labeled 1006 illustrated in FIG. 29. As operations have already beendescribed in detail in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, repeateddescription will be omitted. Note that when terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do notsupport transmission and reception via the first communication scheme,these terminals do not include parts related to first transceiver device205. Moreover, when terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission andreception via the second communication scheme, these terminals do notinclude parts related to second transceiver device 215. Similarly, whenterminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal#6 labeled 1006 do not support transmission and reception via the thirdcommunication scheme, these terminals do not include parts related tothird transceiver device 225.

FIG. 27 illustrates one example of the flow of communication, relativeto the time axis, between communication device 1103, terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006illustrated in FIG. 29. Time is represented on the horizontal axis inFIG. 27.

2700 in FIG. 27 indicates an example of communication by communicationdevice 1103, relative to the time axis.

2751 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

2752 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #2 labeled 1002, relative to the time axis.

2753 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #3 labeled 1003, relative to the time axis.

2754 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #4 labeled 1004, relative to the time axis.

2755 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #5 labeled 1005, relative to the time axis.

2756 is an example of communication by first transceiver device 205included in terminal #6 labeled 1006, relative to the time axis.

Note that in FIG. 27, illustration of the communication indicated by2752, 2753, 2754, and 2755 is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, first, communication device 1103 transmitswake-up frame 2701. Here, in this example, wake-up frame 2701 includesinformation indicating to wake up terminal #1 labeled 1001, wake upterminal #2 labeled 1002, wake up terminal #3 labeled 1003, wake upterminal #4 labeled 1004, wake up terminal #5 labeled 1005, and wake upterminal #6 labeled 1006. Communication device 1103 transmits wake-upframe 2701 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002,terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 via controller 1102 and gateway #1labeled 11011 or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3 labeled 1101_3.Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, wake-up frame2701 may be multicast (and may be unicast).

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #1 labeled 1001 thenreceives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 1001 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #1 labeled 1001. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #1labeled 1001 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #2 labeled 1002 thenreceives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #2 labeled 1002 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #2 labeled 1002. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #2labeled 1002 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #3 labeled 1003receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #3 labeled 1003 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #3 labeled 1003. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #3labeled 1003 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #4 labeled 1004receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #4 labeled 1004 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #4 labeled 1004. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #4labeled 1004 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #5 labeled 1005receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #5 labeled 1005 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #5 labeled 1005. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #5labeled 1005 wakes up.

First transceiver device 205 included in terminal #6 labeled 1006receives wake-up frame 2701. First transceiver device 205 included interminal #6 labeled 1006 then performs processing such as demodulationon wake-up frame 2701, thereby obtaining the information indicating towake up terminal #6 labeled 1006. Accordingly, in FIG. 27, terminal #6labeled 1006 wakes up.

Although terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, andterminal #6 labeled 1006 are each exemplified as including firsttransceiver device 205 in FIG. 27, among terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006, there maybe a terminal that does not include first transceiver device 205. Insuch cases, such a terminal does not wake up.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 27, communication device 1103 transmitsregistration frame 2702. Communication device 1103 transmitsregistration frame 2702 to terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 via controller 1102 andgateway #1 labeled 11011 or gateway #2 labeled 1101_2 or gateway #3labeled 1101_3. Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2,registration frame 2702 may be multicast (and may be unicast). Next,registration frame 2702 will be described in greater detail.

Communication device 1103 illustrated in FIG. 29 is connected to aserver via network 1104. The server or a device that communicates withthe server transmits a modulated signal including software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 or (a modulatedsignal including) updated software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 to communication device 1103. Themodulated signal including the software data is then transmitted to basestation #A labeled 100_1 or base station #B labeled 100_2 bycommunication device 1103 (note that software is merely one example:what is included in the modulated signal may be information other thansoftware).

Here, when communication device 1103 and the server know which terminalsare capable of communicating with communication device 1103, this isadvantageous as information such as software can be provided withcertainty. When controller 1102 also knows which terminals are capableof communicating with communication device 1103, this is advantageous asinformation such as software can be provided with certainty.

Registration frame 2702 is a frame for knowing the status of a terminal.Accordingly, registration frame 2702 includes information instructing aterminal to transmit terminal-specific information. Theterminal-specific information is, for example, information thatindicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #1 labeled 1001receives registration frame 2701 and transmits frame 2711. Note thatframe 2711 includes the terminal-specific information (for example,information that indicates the type, model number, serial number, or IDof the terminal) for terminal #1 labeled 1001, and a modulated signalincluding this information is transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001(in one example, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conformingto the first communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, anyone of gateway #1 labeled 11011, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway#3 labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2711 and obtains information related toterminal #1 labeled 1001, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #2 labeled 1002 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2712. Note that frame 2712includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #2 labeled 1002, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 11011, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2712 and obtains information related toterminal #2 labeled 1002, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #3 labeled 1003 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2713. Note that frame 2713includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #3 labeled 1003, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2713 and obtains information related toterminal #3 labeled 1003, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #4 labeled 1004 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2714. Note that frame 2714includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #4 labeled 1004, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2714 and obtains information related toterminal #4 labeled 1004, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #5 labeled 1005 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2715. Note that frame 2715includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2715 and obtains information related toterminal #5 labeled 1005, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, terminal #6 labeled 1006 receivesregistration frame 2702 and transmits frame 2716. Note that frame 2716includes the terminal-specific information (for example, informationthat indicates the type, model number, serial number, or ID of theterminal) for terminal #6 labeled 1006, and a modulated signal includingthis information is transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006 (in oneexample, this modulated signal is a modulated signal conforming to thefirst communication scheme). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 26, any one ofgateway #1 labeled 1101_1, gateway #2 labeled 1101_2, and gateway #3labeled 1101_3 receives frame 2716 and obtains information related toterminal #6 labeled 1006, and then communication device 1103 obtainsthis information via controller 1102.

Although communication device 1103 is exemplified as transmittingwake-up frame 2701 in FIG. 27, communication device 1103 need nottransmit wake-up frame 2701. In such cases, when there are a pluralityof terminals, terminals that are awake receive registration frame 2702via controller 1102 and a gateway, and transmit a frame that serves as aresponse.

Next, communication between communication device 1103 and the serverwill be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, communication device 1103 receives a frametransmitted by each terminal via a gateway and controller 1102.Communication device 1103 performs processing such as demodulation onthe frames, and obtains terminal-specific information for each terminal(for example, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal).

Hereinafter, an example of operations performed after communicationdevice 1103 receives, via a gateway and controller 1102, frame 2711transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, demodulates frame 2711, andobtains the terminal-specific information for terminal #1 labeled 1001(for example, information that indicates the type, model number, serialnumber, or ID of the terminal) will be described.

FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a configuration of communicationdevice 1103. FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of aserver, which is one communication partner of communication device 1103.

Transceiver device #A labeled 2105 receives an input of reception signal2102 received by antenna 2101, performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding, and obtains reception data 2106. Notethat reception signal 2102 corresponds to the modulated signaltransmitted by controller 1102 illustrated in FIG. 28.

Generator 2108 of data based on terminal-specific information receivesan input of reception data 2106, extracts terminal-specific informationincluded in reception data 2106, and outputs terminal-specificinformation 2109 (for example, information that indicates the type,model number, serial number, or ID of the terminal). For example, whenreception data 2106 is obtained by receiving, via a gateway andcontroller 1102, a modulated signal transmitted by terminal #1 labeled1001, terminal-specific information 2109 is the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Transceiver device #B labeled 2111 receives inputs of data 2110 andterminal-specific information 2109, for example, generates a modulatedsignal based on this data, and outputs the result as transmission signal2112. Note that the communication partner of transceiver device #Blabeled 2111 is the server. In the example illustrated in FIG. 28,transceiver device #B labeled 2111 communicates with the server vianetwork 1104.

Accordingly, reception device 2202 included in the server andillustrated in FIG. 22 receives an input of reception signal 2201corresponding to modulated signal 2112, performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on reception signal 2201, andoutputs reception data 2203.

Storage 2204 receives an input of reception data 2203, and extracts andstores the terminal-specific information included in reception data2203.

For example, when communication device 1103 is communicating withterminal #1 labeled 1001 via controller 1102 and a gateway, receptiondata 2203 includes the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, and thus storage 2204 stores the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Similarly, when communication device 1103 is communicating with terminal#2 labeled 1002 via controller 1102 and a gateway, reception data 2203includes the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled 1002,and thus storage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information forterminal #2 labeled 1002.

When communication device 1103 is communicating with terminal #6 labeled1006 via controller 1102 and a gateway, reception data 2203 includes theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006, and thusstorage 2204 stores the terminal-specific information for terminal #6labeled 1006.

Accordingly, once the server completes the reception of frame 2711transmitted by terminal #1 labeled 1001, the reception of frame 2712transmitted by terminal #2 labeled 1002, the reception of frame 2713transmitted by terminal #3 labeled 1003, the reception of frame 2714transmitted by terminal #4 labeled 1004, the reception of frame 2715transmitted by terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the reception of frame 2716transmitted by terminal #6 labeled 1006, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #1 labeled 1001, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #2 labeled 1002, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #3 labeled 1003, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #4 labeled 1004, the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and the terminal-specificinformation for terminal #6 labeled 1006 are stored in storage 2204.

Transmission device 2207 receives an input of data 2206. In thisexample, data 2206 includes software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. In this example, thissoftware data includes information indicating devices that are eligiblefor this software.

Storage 2204 receives an input of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, which isincluded in data 2206, extracts the information indicating devices thatare eligible for the software, which is included in this software data,and compares this information indicating devices that are eligible forthe software with the terminal-specific information for terminal #1labeled 1001, the terminal-specific information for terminal #2 labeled1002, the terminal-specific information for terminal #3 labeled 1003,the terminal-specific information for terminal #4 labeled 1004, theterminal-specific information for terminal #5 labeled 1005, and theterminal-specific information for terminal #6 labeled 1006.

In this example, the information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004,terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligibledevices. Thus, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating“eligible”.

When the information indicating devices that are eligible for thesoftware indicates each of terminal #1 labeled 1001, terminal #2 labeled1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled 1004, terminal #5labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 as being eligible devices,storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 including informationindicating communication schemes that eligible terminals support.

Transmission device 2207 receives inputs of control signal 2205 and data2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “eligible”, performsprocessing such as error correction encoding on data included in thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, which is included in data 2206, and outputstransmission signal 2208. Note that the destination of transmissionsignal 2208 is a communication device that is capable of communicationvia a communication scheme supported by terminals eligible for thesoftware as indicated in the information indicating the communicationschemes that the eligible terminals support. In the present embodiment,the destination communication device is base station #A labeled 100_1 orbase station #B labeled 100_2 illustrated in FIG. 29.

Base station #A labeled 100_1 or base station #B labeled 100_2illustrated in FIG. 29 receives transmission signal 2208, performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding to obtainsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, generates a modulated signal including thisdata, and transmits the generated modulated signal to a destinationterminal.

On the other hand, when information indicating devices that are eligiblefor the software indicates that none of terminal #1 labeled 1001,terminal #2 labeled 1002, terminal #3 labeled 1003, terminal #4 labeled1004, terminal #5 labeled 1005, and terminal #6 labeled 1006 areeligible, storage 2204 outputs control signal 2205 indicating “noteligible”.

Transmission device 2207 then receives inputs of control signal 2205 anddata 2206, and when control signal 2205 indicates “not eligible”,transmission device 2207 does not output transmission signal 2208.

An example of the above operations will be given with reference to FIG.30. For example, a case in which base station #A labeled 100_1illustrated in FIG. 29 transmits, to terminal #1 labeled 1001, softwaredata for executing an operation of device operation function 210 orupdated software data for executing an operation of device operationfunction 210 will be described.

In FIG. 30, 3000 is an example of communication by communication device1103, relative to the time axis. 3031 is an example of communication bybase station #A labeled 1001, relative to the time axis. 3051 indicatesan example of communication by first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis. 3052 indicates anexample of communication by second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis. 3053 indicates anexample of communication by third transceiver device 225 included interminal #1 labeled 1001, relative to the time axis.

Communication device 1103 transmits wake-up frame 3001 to terminal #1labeled 1001.

In this example, the server transmits, to base station #A labeled 100_1,a modulated signal including software data for executing an operation ofdevice operation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210. Here, terminal #1 labeled1001 is eligible for this software. Accordingly, base station #A labeled100_1 obtains the software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 or updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 (first transceiver device 205 included interminal #1 labeled 1001) receives wake-up frame 3001 via controller1102 and a gateway, and wakes up.

Accordingly, base station #A labeled 100_1 transmits frame 3002including the software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 or the updated software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210.

Terminal #1 labeled 1001 (second transceiver device 215 included interminal #1 labeled 1001) then receives frame 3002. Terminal #1 labeled1001 (second transceiver device 215 included in terminal #1 labeled1001) then updates its software using the software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 that is includedin frame 3002. Note that an example of operations performed up to theobtaining of this software has already been described.

Although communication device 1103 is exemplified as transmittingwake-up frame 3001 in FIG. 30, communication device 1103 need nottransmit wake-up frame 3001.

In the present embodiment, instead of software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, data indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210 (for example, anaddress or uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page or server) maybe used in the implementation of the present embodiment.

In such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtains information indicatingan access destination to download software data for executing anoperation of device operation function 210 or updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, accesses theaccess destination, obtains the software data for executing an operationof device operation function 210 or the updated software data forexecuting an operation of device operation function 210, and updates itssoftware. Note that terminal #1 labeled 1001 may access base station #Alabeled 100_1 and/or base station #B labeled 100_2 in FIG. 28 in orderto obtain information indicating an access destination to downloadsoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210, access the access destination, and obtain thesoftware data for executing an operation of device operation function210 or the updated software data for executing an operation of deviceoperation function 210 (in such cases, terminal #1 labeled 1001 obtainsthe software from base station #A labeled 100_1 and/or base station #Blabeled 100_2 in FIG. 28).

As described above, terminal-specific information for the terminal thatis a communication partner of communication device 1103 via thecontroller and a gateway, is provided to communication device 1103 andthe server that is a communication partner of communication device 1103,and as a result of the server and communication device 1103 controllingthe provision of software based on this information, the advantageouseffect that wireless resources can be efficiently utilized can beachieved since terminal software can be updated precisely and thetransmission of software information can be favorably controlled.

Although the devices in the present embodiment are named “communicationdevice”, “terminal”, and “server”, the names of these devices are notlimited to these examples.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

As a matter of course, the present disclosure may be carried out bycombining the exemplary embodiments with other information such as theinformation described in the respective supplemental informationsections.

The configuration of the terminal is exemplified in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,but the configuration of the terminal is not limited to these examples.Moreover, the configurations of the antennas of the transceiver devicesillustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are not limited to the examplesillustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Each transceiver device may have aconfiguration including a plurality of transmit antennas and a pluralityof receive antennas.

Moreover, the base stations, terminals, and transmission deviceillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 may use a transmission method in whicha plurality of modulated signals are transmitted at the same time andsame frequency using a plurality of antennas.

In the present specification, the device that includes the communicationdevice and the transceiver device described herein is conceivably acommunication/broadcast device, such as a broadcast station, a basestation, an access point, a terminal, or a mobile phone, or acommunication device such as a television, a radio, a terminal, or apersonal computer. Moreover, each of the transceiver device and thecommunication device described in the present disclosure is conceivablya device that includes a communication function and can be connected viasome sort of interface to a device for executing an application, such asa television, a radio, a personal computer, or a mobile phone. Moreover,in the present embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such aspilot symbols (preamble, unique word, post-amble, reference symbol,etc.) or symbols for control information, may be arranged in any way ina frame. Here, the terms “pilot symbol” and “control information” areused, but the naming of such symbols is not important; the functionsthat they perform are.

In the present specification, an example is given in which informationindicating to wake up communication performed via a specificcommunication scheme or information indicating to not wake upcommunication performed via a specific communication scheme istransmitted in information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up that is illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and described inEmbodiment 1. Here, “information indicating to not wake up communicationperformed via a specific communication scheme” may mean that theinformation related to “waking up” is not valid (i.e., is invalid), and,alternatively, may mean “sleep” or “maintain current state”.Additionally, “information indicating to not wake up communicationperformed via a specific communication scheme” may be informationindicating something other than “wake up”.

Moreover, information 801 indicating the communication scheme to bewoken up that is illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and described inEmbodiment 1 may correspond to the first field, and information 902 onterminals subject to the information related to waking up the deviceoperation function that is illustrated in FIG. 9 may correspond to thesecond field.

Although an example is given in which “communication via a 25 MHz bandmodulated signal” or “communication via a 50 MHz band modulated signal”is specified in information 801 indicating the communication scheme tobe woken up that is illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and described inEmbodiment 1, the method of specifying the band is not limited to thisexample. For example, the method may specify performing the wake-up in25 MHz units. For example, the method may specific “implementcommunication using a first channel 25 MHz band” or “implementcommunication using a second channel 25 MHz band” or “implementcommunication using a first channel 25 MHz band and communication usinga second channel 25 MHz band”.

With respect to FIG. 2, the device operation function is described as afunction for an operation related to a device such as a home appliance,but more specifically, this includes a function that the device providesto a user. For example, when the device is a television, this includes,for example, a function for receiving radio waves related to atelevision broadcast and displaying an image or video related to thetelevision broadcast, as well as a function for receiving an input tochange the television broadcast channel and changing the televisionbroadcast related to the displayed image or video.

The device operation function in FIG. 2 is not limited to the aboveexamples, and may include a function that downloads software (or aprogram) for an operation related to the device from a server. Thedownloaded software is subsequently executed by the device at a suitablepoint in time in place of the currently running software. Moreover, thedevice is not limited to a home appliance or vehicle. The device may bea smartphone or a smart speaker.

Waking up device operation function 210 may mean, in addition to wakingup all functions included in device operation function 210, waking upone or more of the functions included in device operation function 210.For example, when the device is a television, waking up device operationfunction 201 may mean waking up only the “function for receiving radiowaves related to a television broadcast and displaying an image or videorelated to the television broadcast” described above. As anotherexample, waking up device operation function 201 may mean waking up onlythe “function that downloads software for an operation related to thedevice from a server”.

When, like described above, the device (for example, a terminal)includes a plurality of device operation functions (also referred tosimply as functions), and the terminal includes a plurality oftransceiver devices (see FIG. 2), each transceiving function may beassociated with a function to be woken up. Here, the associatedtransceiving functions may include a transceiving function that receivescontrol signal 209 and a transceiving function that the terminal wakesup using control signal 209.

(1) Example in which a Transceiving Function that Receives ControlSignal 209 is Associated with a Function

For example, when control signal 209 is received by the firsttransceiver device, only the function for receiving radio waves relatedto a television broadcast and displaying an image or video related tothe television broadcast may be woken up. Moreover, when control signal209 is received by the second transceiver device, only the function thatdownloads software for an operation related to the device from a servermay be woken up.

(2) Example in which the Transceiving Function that the Terminal WakesUp Using Control Signal 209 is Associated with a Device OperationFunction

For example, when the first transceiver device is the device that iswoken up by control signal 209 received by any transceiver device, onlythe function for receiving radio waves related to a television broadcastand displaying an image or video related to the television broadcast maybe woken up. Moreover, when the second transceiver device is the devicethat is woken up by control signal 209 received by any transceiverdevice, only the function that downloads software for an operationrelated to the device (terminal) from a server may be woken up.

Note that the association between the transceiving function that theterminal wakes up and the device operation function consequently wokenup is not limited to the above examples.

Yet another example related to the above will be given with reference tothe figures. FIG. 35 illustrates an example of operations performed by abase station (and communication device 103), and a terminal illustratedin FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 35, the base station transmits an instruction tothe terminal instructing first transceiver device 205 to wake up.

First transceiver device 205 included in the terminal then wakes up.

Since the waking up of first transceiver device 205 is associated with,among device operation functions 210 included in the terminal, thefunction for receiving radio waves related to a television broadcast anddisplaying an image or video related to the television broadcast, inaccordance with the waking up of first transceiver device 205 includedin the terminal, among device operation functions 210 included in theterminal, the function for receiving radio waves related to a televisionbroadcast and displaying an image or video related to the televisionbroadcast wakes up.

As illustrated in FIG. 35, the base station transmits an instruction tothe terminal instructing second transceiver device 215 to wake up.

Second transceiver device 215 included in the terminal then wakes up.

Since the waking up of second transceiver device 215 is associated with,among device operation functions 210 included in the terminal, thewaking up of the function that downloads software for an operationrelated to the device (terminal) from a server, in accordance with thewaking up of second transceiver device 215 included in the terminal,among device operation functions 210 included in the terminal, thefunction that downloads software for an operation related to the devicefrom a server wakes up.

By, as described above, associating a transceiver device to be woken upwith a device operation that is executed in accordance with the wakingup of a transceiver device or with a device operation function to bewoken up, by transmitting a signal to the terminal that instructs thetransceiver device to wake up or transmitting a signal to the terminalthat instructs the transceiver device to wake up that specifies thetransceiver device to be woken up, the device operations of the terminalcan be controlled. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the number ofsignals transmitted for controlling device operations, which simplifiesthe control of device operations.

FIG. 36 illustrates an example of operations performed by a base stationand a terminal that differs from the example illustrated in FIG. 35.

As illustrated in FIG. 36, the base station transmits an instruction tothe terminal instructing first transceiver device 205 to wake up.

First transceiver device 205 included in the terminal then wakes up.

Since the waking up of first transceiver device 205 is associated with,among device operation functions 210 included in the terminal, thewaking up of the function for receiving radio waves related to atelevision broadcast and displaying an image or video related to thetelevision broadcast, in accordance with the waking up of firsttransceiver device 205 included in the terminal, among device operationfunctions 210 included in the terminal, the function for receiving radiowaves related to a television broadcast and displaying an image or videorelated to the television broadcast wakes up.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 36, the base station transmits aninstruction to the terminal instructing second transceiver device 215 towake up.

Second transceiver device 215 included in the terminal then wakes up.

Then, unlike in FIG. 35, in FIG. 36, the waking up of second transceiverdevice 215 is associated with, from among device operation functions 210included in the terminal, the waking up of the function that downloadssoftware for an operation related to the device (terminal) from a serverand the waking up of a function that captures an image and/or a video.

Accordingly, the base station transmits a frame including informationindicating to wake up the function that downloads software for anoperation related to the device (terminal) from a server and/or wake upthe function that captures an image and/or a video.

With this, in accordance with the waking up of second transceiver device215 included in the terminal and the demodulating of the frame, thefunction that downloads software for an operation related to the device(terminal) from a server and/or the function that captures an imageand/or a video wake up.

In this way, in a terminal, a plurality of device operation functions tobe woken up can be assigned to a transceiver device to be woken up.

As a result of performing the above-described association, it ispossible to achieve the advantageous effect that the device operationfunction that consequently wakes up can be accurately controlled as aresult of the terminal selecting the transceiving function to be wokenup.

For example, assume the access point transmits a frame to wake up anyone of the device operation functions illustrated in, for example, FIG.2, that are included in the terminal. In such cases, there is a need forthe access point and the terminal to share the information indicatingthe association related to the transceiving function that the devicewakes up and the device operation function that consequently wakes up.Accordingly, communication may be performed in order for the accesspoint and the terminal to share, in advance, the information indicatingthe association related to the transceiving function that the devicewakes up and the device operation function that consequently wakes up.

Moreover, as an example of another method, the terminal may upload theinformation indicating the association related to the transceivingfunction that the device wakes up and the device operation function thatconsequently wakes up to a (cloud) server, and the access point mayaccess the (cloud) server, obtain the information indicating theassociation related to the transceiving function that the device wakesup and the device operation function that consequently wakes up from the(cloud) server, and transmit a frame for performing the wake-up.

When a (cloud) server is used to share information, this is advantageousbecause the terminal can easily update the association by uploading theinformation indicating the association related to the transceivingfunction that the device wakes up and the device operation function thatconsequently wakes up to the server.

Note that when the terminal includes a plurality of device operationfunctions, like in the example given above, one of the device operationfunctions may be a function that stops some device operation function inaccordance with the waking up of the transceiver device. For example,when the terminal includes functionality as a television and theterminal software requires an update, this device operation function maystop the function for receiving radio waves related to a televisionbroadcast and displaying an image or video related to the televisionbroadcast. Then, after the function stops, the function obtains the newsoftware for the device via the function of downloading, from a server,software for an operation related to the device, and thereafter, usingthe new software, wakes up the function for receiving radio wavesrelated to a television broadcast and displaying an image or videorelated to the television broadcast. Note that when updating thesoftware, such information may be presented to the user in advance, andpermission to update the software may be obtained from the user via aninput by the user.

Moreover, as an example of another method, consider a case in which theterminal is experiencing a hardware-related problem. Here, the terminalmay receive a frame related to function stoppage that was transmitted bythe base station, and the terminal may stop its own operations. In suchcases, so long as the hardware-related problem is not resolved, theterminal may prevent itself from operating.

Although the above describes the stopping of the function for receivingradio waves related to a television broadcast and displaying an image orvideo related to the television broadcast, the device operation functionthat is stopped by the terminal is not limited to this example.

Note that the registration frame illustrated in FIG. 20 is a frame forregistering, in, for example, a server, a terminal to be subsequentlywoken up by communication device 103. In other words, when communicationdevice 103 receives a frame transmitted as a response by terminal #1,etc., to the transmitted registration frame, communication device 103stores the terminal-specific information indicated in the frame. As anexample of another method, when communication device 103 receives aframe transmitted as a response by terminal #1, etc., to the transmittedregistration frame, communication device 103 obtains theterminal-specific information indicated in the frame, and the serverthat communication device 103 is connected to stores theterminal-specific information indicated in the frame. Stateddifferently, in FIG. 20, communication device 103 registers terminal #1etc., as a terminal that needs to be woken up. Thereafter, when terminal#1 etc., needs to be woken up, a wake-up frame is transmitted to eachterminal desired to be woken up, such as terminal #1 etc., using thestored terminal-specific information.

Note that communication device 103 may delete the registration afterelapse of a fixed period of time from the time of registration. Beforethis fixed period of time elapses, an image that prompts the user tore-register the terminal, that is to say, warns the user, may bedisplayed. If the user subsequently re-registers the terminal, theregistration is maintained, and if the user does not re-register theterminal, the registration is deleted. With this configuration,communication device 103 can accurately know which terminals are to bewoken up, which makes it possible to prevent unnecessary transmission ofwake-up frames. This achieves the advantageous effect that frequencyusage efficiency can be improved.

Next, the above will be described in greater detail with reference tothe drawings. In this example, communication device 103 transmitswake-up frame 2001 and registration frame 2002, and communication device103 receives responses from the terminals and registers informationabout the terminals in a server, like in FIG. 20. Note that sincedetails regarding these operations have already been described, repeateddescription thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example of operations performed by devices afterthe operations illustrated in FIG. 20. Note that in FIG. 37, time isrepresented on the horizontal axis, and elements that operate the sameas in FIG. 20 share like reference signs.

3700 indicates operations performed by the server, relative to the timeaxis.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, communication device 103 receives a responsefrom terminal #1 labeled 1001, transmits information about terminal #1labeled 1001 to the server, and the server registers the informationabout terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Thereafter, for example, assume a fixed period of time elapses withoutcommunication device 103 communicating with terminal #1 labeled 1001(note that the period does not need to be a fixed period). As a result,for example, the server determines that terminal #1 labeled 1001 is notpresent as a device, and determines to delete the information aboutterminal #1 labeled 1001. Accordingly, the server notifies communicationdevice 103 of the deletion of the information about terminal #1.

In accordance with this, communication device 103 transmits frame 3701for transmitting the notification that the registration information forterminal #1 labeled 1001 has been deleted. Note that communicationdevice 103 may transmit a wake-up frame to terminal #1 labeled 1001before transmitting frame 3701. When terminal #1 labeled 1001 receivesthe wake-up frame, terminal #1 labeled 1001 wakes up. Since this wake-upfeature has been described in detail in other embodiments, repeateddescription thereof will be omitted.

If terminal #1 labeled 1001 is present, terminal #1 labeled 1001receives frame 3701, whereby terminal #1 labeled 1001 knows that theserver has deleted the registration information for terminal #1 labeled1001. Note that it is possible that terminal #1 labeled 1001 is notpresent.

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 37, terminal information isexemplified as being registered in the server, but communication device103 may be configured to include a function that stores the terminalinformation to be registered, and after elapse of a fixed period oftime, determines terminals to be removed from the registry. In otherwords, the function that implements the server operations may beincluded in communication device 103.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example, which differs from the exampleillustrated in FIG. 37, of operations performed by devices after theoperations illustrated in FIG. 20. Note that in FIG. 38, time isrepresented on the horizontal axis, and elements that operate the sameas in FIG. 20 and FIG. 37 share like reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, communication device 103 receives a responsefrom terminal #1 labeled 1001, transmits information about terminal #1labeled 1001 to the server, and the server registers the informationabout terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Thereafter, for example, assume a fixed period of time elapses withoutcommunication device 103 communicating with terminal #1 labeled 1001(note that the period does not need to be a fixed period). As a result,for example, the server determines that terminal #1 labeled 1001 is notpresent as a device, and determines that the information about terminal#1 labeled 1001 is a candidate for deletion. Accordingly, the servernotifies communication device 103 that the information about terminal #1labeled 1001 is a candidate for deletion.

In accordance with this, communication device 103 transmits frame 3701for transmitting the notification that the registration information forterminal #1 labeled 1001 is a candidate for deletion. Note thatcommunication device 103 may transmit a wake-up frame to terminal #1labeled 1001 before transmitting frame 3701. When terminal #1 labeled1001 receives the wake-up frame, terminal #1 labeled 1001 wakes up.Since this wake-up feature has been described in detail in otherembodiments, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

If terminal #1 labeled 1001 is present, terminal #1 labeled 1001receives frame 3701, whereby terminal #1 labeled 1001 knows that theserver has deemed the registration information for terminal #1 labeled1001 to be a candidate for deletion.

However, when terminal #1 labeled 1001 cancels the deletion of theinformation about terminal #1 labeled 1001 by server, terminal #1labeled 1001 may transmit a frame indicating such to communicationdevice 103.

Moreover, when a frame indicating such is not transmitted from terminal#1 labeled 1001, communication device 103 may request the server todelete the information about terminal #1 labeled 1001.

Alternatively, when a frame indicating such is not transmitted fromterminal #1 labeled 1001, the server may delete the information aboutterminal #1 labeled 1001 after elapse of a given period of time.

Note that it is possible that terminal #1 labeled 1001 is not present.

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 38, terminal information isexemplified as being registered in the server, but communication device103 may be configured to include a function that stores the terminalinformation to be registered, and deletes terminal information based onthe procedures described above. In other words, the function thatimplements the server operations may be included in communication device103.

Note that the period up until a terminal is determined to be a candidatefor information deletion may be determined in advance based on terminaltype. For example, when the terminal is a smartphone or tablet, theperiod up until the determination that the information is a candidatefor deletion may be set as a first period, and if the terminal is a homeappliance, the period up until the determination that the information isa candidate for deletion may be set as a second period. In such cases,information indicating terminal type may be included in, for example,the registration frame, and, alternatively, may be notified to theserver via a frame other than the registration frame, before or afterreception of the registration frame. Moreover, as another example,information indicating the length of the period up until the terminaldetermines that the information is a candidate for deletion orinformation for determining the length of the period up until theterminal determines that the information is a candidate for deletion maybe included in and transmitted with the registration frame. In suchcases, the server sets the period up until the terminal determines thatthe information is a candidate for deletion based on the informationobtained from the registration frame. With this configuration, it ispossible to set the period up until the terminal determines that theinformation is a candidate for deletion on a per terminal-type basis oron a per terminal basis, which makes it possible to flexibly control themanagement of terminals in the server in accordance with the applicationof the terminal or the environment that the terminal is used in.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 2

Next, as a variation of the embodiments described in the presentspecification, a case in which the embodiments are implemented usingcellular communication, such as evolved universal terrestrial radioaccess (E-UTRA), long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced, new radio(NR), new radio access, or non-terrestrial networks, will be given.

Assume a base station and a terminal are communicating, the base stationtransmits the wake-up frame described in the present specification tothe terminal, and the terminal wakes up upon receiving the wake-upframe.

In this example, instances in which the terminal is in a state beforethe reception of the wake-up frame (for example, instances in which theterminal is asleep) may be a state in which the terminal does notdemodulate the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a state inwhich the terminal does not search PDCCH present in the frame. Note thatinstances in which the terminal is in a state before the reception ofthe wake-up frame may be referred to a sleep state, deep sleep state,light sleep state, or micro sleep state.

The terminal then receives the wake-up frame and wakes up. A state inwhich the terminal is awake may mean a state in which the terminal hasdemodulated PDCCH and obtained the data included in PDCCH.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 3

In Embodiment 1, communication device 103 is exemplified as transmittingwake-up frame 401 illustrated in FIG. 4.

Wake-up frame 401 is exemplified as having the configuration illustratedin FIG. 7, and is exemplified as being able to specify to not wake upcommunication performed via a specific communication scheme. Wake-upframe 401 is also exemplified as being able to specify to putcommunication performed via a specific communication scheme to sleep.

These points are also described in other embodiments.

In other words, communication device 103 may transmit informationinstructing to sleep (for example, a go-to-sleep instruction) via acontrol information symbol such as a wake-up frame or wake-up relateddata symbol.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 4

In the present specification, an example is given in which, for example,the base station and/or communication device instructs wake-up in twostages, namely the waking up of the transceiver device in a terminalhaving the configuration illustrated in, for example, FIG. 2 and thewaking up of the device operation function in the terminal, and thetransceiver device in the terminal wakes up and the device operationfunction in the terminal wakes up. In this way, the base station and/orcommunication device may transmit a modulated signal including wake-uprelated information to wake up the functions in the terminal in multiplestages (i.e., employ multi-stage wake up).

Note that examples of the base station and/or communication devicewaking up functions in the terminal in multiple stages are not limitedto this example. Hereinafter, a different example will be given.

FIG. 39 illustrates an example of operations performed uponcommunication device 103 transmitting the wake-up frame to a terminalin, for example, FIG. 1. In FIG. 39, time is represented on thehorizontal axis. Operations performed relative to the time axis by thecommunication device 103 are indicated by 2000, and operations performedrelative to the time axis by terminal #1 labeled 1001 are indicated by2051.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, communication device 103 transmits firstwake-up frame 3901. In this example, first wake-up frame 3901 includesinformation instructing the reception function to wake up. Terminal #1labeled 1001 receives first wake-up frame 3901, and, for example, inaccordance with the instruction in first wake-up frame 3901, thereception function wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe transmission function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receivessecond wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordance with theinstruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the transmission functionwakes up.

As another example, communication device 103 transmits first wake-upframe 3901, as illustrated in FIG. 39. In this example, first wake-upframe 3901 includes information instructing the PDCCH demodulationfunction to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives first wake-upframe 3901, and, for example, in accordance with the instruction infirst wake-up frame 3901, the PDCCH demodulation function wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe transmission function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receivessecond wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordance with theinstruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the transmission functionwakes up.

As yet another example, communication device 103 transmits first wake-upframe 3901, as illustrated in FIG. 39. In this example, first wake-upframe 3901 includes information instructing the PDCCH search function towake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives first wake-up frame 3901,and, for example, in accordance with the instruction in first wake-upframe 3901, the PDCCH search function wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe transmission function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receivessecond wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordance with theinstruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the transmission functionwakes up.

Note that in FIG. 39, communication device 103 may transmit a frame thatincludes both the information included in first wake-up frame 3901 andthe information included in second wake-up frame 3902. Moreover, in FIG.39, communication device 103 may transmit first wake-up frame 3901 as adata symbol. Similarly, in FIG. 39, communication device 103 maytransmit second wake-up frame 3902 as a data symbol.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example of operations performed uponcommunication device 103 transmitting the wake-up frame to a terminalin, for example, FIG. 1. In FIG. 40, time is represented on thehorizontal axis. Operations performed relative to the time axis by thecommunication device 103 are indicated by 2000, and operations performedrelative to the time axis by terminal #1 labeled 1001 are indicated by2051.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, communication device 103 transmits firstwake-up frame 3901. In this example, first wake-up frame 3901 includesinformation instructing the first transceiving function to wake up.Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives first wake-up frame 3901, and, forexample, in accordance with the instruction in first wake-up frame 3901,the first transceiving function wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe second transceiving function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001receives second wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordance withthe instruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the second transceivingfunction wakes up.

Communication device 103 further transmits third wake-up frame 3903. Inthis example, third wake-up frame 3903 includes information instructingthe third transceiving function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001receives third wake-up frame 3903, and, for example, in accordance withthe instruction in third wake-up frame 3903, the third transceivingfunction wakes up.

Note that in FIG. 40, communication device 103 may transmit a frame thatincludes the information included in first wake-up frame 3901, theinformation included in second wake-up frame 3902, and the informationincluded in the third wake-up frame 3903. Moreover, in FIG. 40,communication device 103 may transmit first wake-up frame 3901 as a datasymbol. Similarly, in FIG. 40, communication device 103 may transmitsecond wake-up frame 3902 as a data symbol. Moreover, in FIG. 40,communication device 103 may transmit third wake-up frame 3903 as a datasymbol.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example of operations performed uponcommunication device 103 transmitting the wake-up frame to a terminalin, for example, FIG. 1. In FIG. 41, time is represented on thehorizontal axis. Operations performed relative to the time axis by thecommunication device 103 are indicated by 2000, and operations performedrelative to the time axis by terminal #1 labeled 1001 are indicated by2051.

As illustrated in FIG. 41, communication device 103 transmits firstwake-up frame 3901. In this example, first wake-up frame 3901 includesinformation instructing the first channel transceiving function to wakeup. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receives first wake-up frame 3901, and, forexample, in accordance with the instruction in first wake-up frame 3901,the first channel transceiving function wakes up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe second channel transceiving function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled1001 receives second wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordancewith the instruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the second channeltransceiving function wakes up.

Communication device 103 further transmits third wake-up frame 3903. Inthis example, third wake-up frame 3903 includes information instructingthe third channel transceiving function to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled1001 receives third wake-up frame 3903, and, for example, in accordancewith the instruction in third wake-up frame 3903, the third channeltransceiving function wakes up.

Note that in FIG. 41, communication device 103 may transmit a frame thatincludes the information included in first wake-up frame 3901, theinformation included in second wake-up frame 3902, and the informationincluded in the third wake-up frame 3903. Moreover, in FIG. 41,communication device 103 may transmit first wake-up frame 3901 as a datasymbol. Similarly, in FIG. 41, communication device 103 may transmitsecond wake-up frame 3902 as a data symbol. Moreover, in FIG. 40,communication device 103 may transmit third wake-up frame 3903 as a datasymbol.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example of operations performed uponcommunication device 103 transmitting the wake-up frame to a terminalin, for example, FIG. 1. In FIG. 42, time is represented on thehorizontal axis. Operations performed relative to the time axis by thecommunication device 103 are indicated by 2000, and operations performedrelative to the time axis by terminal #1 labeled 1001 are indicated by2051.

As illustrated in FIG. 42, communication device 103 transmits firstwake-up frame 3901. In this example, first wake-up frame 3901 includesinformation instructing the first layer processes to wake up. Terminal#1 labeled 1001 receives first wake-up frame 3901, and, for example, inaccordance with the instruction in first wake-up frame 3901, the firstlayer processes wake up.

Communication device 103 then transmits second wake-up frame 3902. Inthis example, second wake-up frame 3902 includes information instructingthe second layer processes to wake up. Terminal #1 labeled 1001 receivessecond wake-up frame 3902, and, for example, in accordance with theinstruction in second wake-up frame 3902, the second layer processeswake up.

Note that in cellular communication such as evolved universalterrestrial radio access (E-UTRA), long term evolution (LTE), LTEadvanced, new radio (NR) new radio access and non-terrestrial networks,layers include, for example, physical layer (PHY layer), medium accesscontrol layer (MAC layer), radio link control layer (RLC layer), packetdata convergence protocol layer (PDCP layer), radio resource controllayer (RRC layer), and non-access stratum layer (NAS layer).

Note that in FIG. 42, communication device 103 may transmit a frame thatincludes both the information included in first wake-up frame 3901 andthe information included in second wake-up frame 3902. Moreover, in FIG.42, communication device 103 may transmit first wake-up frame 3901 as adata symbol. Similarly, in FIG. 42, communication device 103 maytransmit second wake-up frame 3902 as a data symbol.

In FIG. 39, FIG. 40, FIG. 41, and FIG. 42, two- and three-stage wake-upis described, but four-stage or higher wake-up may be performed.Moreover, the wake-up procedures illustrated in FIG. 39 through FIG. 42may be combined.

As described above, the terminal includes a plurality of functions andeach function can enter a sleep state. Moreover, the communicationdevice transmits a wake-up frame specifying a function to be woken up inthe terminal, and the terminal wakes up the function desired to be wokenup by the communication device, based on the wake-up frame. In this way,the wake-up procedures can be performed more finely, making it possibleto achieve the advantageous effect that appropriate wake-up control andappropriate terminal power consumption control can be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 5

Here, a variation of the transmission method of the wake-up framedescribed in the present specification will be described.

First Example

For example, consider the state illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example,communication device 103 is capable of communicating with terminal #1labeled 101, terminal #2 labeled 1002, and terminal #3 labeled 1003. Inaddition to these terminals, assume communication device 103 is alsocapable of communicating with terminal #4 labeled 1004.

FIG. 43 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by communication device 103. Frequency (carrier) isrepresented on the horizontal axis, and time is represented on thehorizontal axis. In this example, communication device 103 transmits themodulated signal using a multi-carrier transmission scheme such asorthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Moreover,communication device 103 uses multiple access such as orthogonalfrequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signal addressed toterminal #1 labeled 101 using first channel 4301 of a first frequencyrange. Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signal addressedto terminal #2 labeled 1002 using second channel 4302 of a secondfrequency range. Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signaladdressed to terminal #3 labeled 1003 using third channel 4303 of athird frequency range. Communication device 103 transmits a modulatedsignal addressed to terminal #4 labeled 1004 using fourth channel 4304of a fourth frequency range.

In FIG. 43, wake-up frame 4351 is transmitted using first channel 4301.Here, wake-up frame 4351 is a wake-up frame for waking up terminal #1labeled 101. Note that symbols transmitted by communication device 103after wake-up frame 4351 are not illustrated in FIG. 43. Accordingly,after wake-up frame 4351, communication device 103 may transmit a symbolto terminal #1 labeled 101.

In FIG. 43, no wake-up frame is transmitted using second channel 4302.In such cases, it is conceivable that terminal #2 labeled 1002 isalready awake or terminal #2 labeled 1002 is not to be woken up.

In FIG. 43, wake-up frame 4353 is transmitted using third channel 4303.Here, wake-up frame 4353 is a wake-up frame for waking up terminal #3labeled 1003. Note that symbols transmitted by communication device 103after wake-up frame 4353 are not illustrated in FIG. 43. Accordingly,after wake-up frame 4353, communication device 103 may transmit a symbolto terminal #3 labeled 1003.

In FIG. 43, wake-up frame 4354 is transmitted using fourth channel 4304.Here, wake-up frame 4354 is a wake-up frame for waking up terminal #4labeled 1004. Note that symbols transmitted by communication device 103after wake-up frame 4353 are not illustrated in FIG. 43. Accordingly,after wake-up frame 4354, communication device 103 may transmit a symbolto terminal #4 labeled 1004.

The wake-up frames in FIG. 43 may include any of the followinginformation described in the present specification: informationindicating to wake up a communication function in the terminal,information indicating to wake up a device function in the terminal,information for putting a communication function in the terminal tosleep, and information for putting a device function in the terminal tosleep.

Second Example

For example, consider the state illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example,communication device 103 is capable of communicating with terminal #1labeled 101, terminal #2 labeled 1002, and terminal #3 labeled 1003.

FIG. 44 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by communication device 103. Frequency (carrier) isrepresented on the horizontal axis, and time is represented on thehorizontal axis. In this example, communication device 103 transmits themodulated signal using a multi-carrier transmission scheme such as OFDM.Moreover, communication device 103 uses multiple access such as OFDMA.

Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signal addressed toterminal #1 labeled 101 using first channel 4301 of a first frequencyrange. Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signal addressedto terminal #2 labeled 1002 using second channel 4302 of a secondfrequency range. Communication device 103 transmits a modulated signaladdressed to terminal #3 labeled 1003 using third channel 4303 of athird frequency range. Communication device 103 transmits a controlinformation symbol including a wake-up frame for waking up a terminal,using fourth channel 4304 of a fourth frequency range. In other words,fourth channel 4304 is a control channel or a channel for transmitting awake-up frame (a wake-up frame transmission channel).

In FIG. 44, for example, terminal #1 labeled 101, terminal #2 labeled1002, and terminal #3 labeled 1003 are asleep. For example, terminalsthat are asleep are performing reception on fourth channel 4304.

Communication device 103 then transmits wake-up frame 4400 using fourthchannel 4304. For example, wake-up frame 4400 includes informationinstructing terminal #1 labeled 101 and terminal #3 labeled 1003 to wakeup.

Terminal #1 labeled 101 receives wake-up frame 4400, and based on theinformation included in wake-up frame 4400, terminal #1 labeled 101wakes up. Similarly, terminal #3 labeled 1003 receives wake-up frame4400, and based on the information included in wake-up frame 4400,terminal #3 labeled 1003 wakes up.

Then, after wake-up frame 4400, communication device 103 may thentransmit symbols addressed to terminal #1 labeled 101 using, forexample, first channel 4301. Similarly, after wake-up frame 4400,communication device 103 may then transmit symbols addressed to terminal#3 labeled 1003 using, for example, third channel 4303.

Note that terminal #3 labeled 1003 is not awake. Accordingly,communication device 103 does not transmit symbols addressed to terminal#3 labeled 1003.

The wake-up frames in FIG. 44 may include any of the followinginformation described in the present specification: informationindicating to wake up a communication function in the terminal,information indicating to wake up a device function in the terminal,information for putting a communication function in the terminal tosleep, and information for putting a device function in the terminal tosleep.

Next, an example of subsequent operations will be given. As describedabove, terminal #1 labeled 101 and terminal #3 labeled 1003 are awake,and communication device 103 uses first channel 4301 to transmit symbolsaddressed to terminal #1 labeled 101 and uses third channel 4303 totransmit symbols addressed to terminal #3 labeled 1003.

As illustrated in FIG. 45, communication device 103 transmits wake-upframe 4351 to terminal #1 labeled 101 using first channel 4301. Here,wake-up frame 4351 includes information indicating to put terminal #1labeled 101 to sleep.

As illustrated in FIG. 45, communication device 103 transmits wake-upframe 4353 to terminal #3 labeled 1003 using third channel 4303. Here,wake-up frame 4353 includes information indicating to put terminal #3labeled 1003 to sleep.

In other words, the wake-up frame transmission method illustrated inFIG. 44 may be used in conjunction with the wake-up frame transmissionmethod illustrated in FIG. 45. In the above examples, terminals that areasleep demodulate fourth channel 4304, and terminals that are awakedemodulate channels used for communicating with communication device103. With this configuration, the terminals can restrict the channelsused for demodulation, which makes it possible to achieve theadvantageous effect that power consumption can be reduced.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 6

The operations described as being performed by a base station and acommunication device in the present specification may be performed by anaccess point, a master access point, a slave access point, a repeater, abroadcast station, a terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a gateway,a controller, a server, a computer, a television, a home appliance, atablet, a smart speaker, a smart display, a vehicle, an airplane, aship, a bicycle, or a camera, for example.

The operations described as being performed by a terminal in the presentspecification may be performed by a base station, an access point, amaster access point, a slave access point, a repeater, a smartphone, amobile phone, a gateway, a controller, a server, a computer, atelevision, a home appliance, a tablet, a smart speaker, a smartdisplay, a vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a bicycle, or a camera, forexample.

In the wake-up frame transmitted by communication device and describedin the present specification, for example, a terminal may be instructedto wake up, subsequently instructed to sleep, and subsequentlyinstructed to wake up once again. Moreover, a terminal may be instructedto go back to sleep again. In other words, the wake-up frame may includeinformation instructing to wake up once again and information instructto go back to sleep again.

Moreover, the wake-up frame is exemplified as having, for example, theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 9, and including information 901 onterminals subject to the information indicating the communication schemeto be woken up, but information 901 on terminals subject to theinformation indicating the communication scheme to be woken up may beinformation on terminals subject to the information indicating thecommunication scheme to be, for example, woken up, put to sleep, wokenup again, and put back to sleep again. Moreover, information 801indicating the communication scheme to be woken up may be informationindicating the communication scheme to be woken up, put to sleep, wokenup again, and put back to sleep again. Information 802 related to thecommunication scheme to be woken up may be information related to thecommunication scheme to be woken up, put to sleep, woken up again, andput back to sleep again.

The information on terminals subject to the information indicating thecommunication scheme to be, for example, woken up, put to sleep, wokenup again, and put back to sleep again may specify, in addition tomulticast and unicast, one or more terminals, for example, groupcast.

For example, when the information on terminals subject to theinformation indicating the communication scheme to be, for example,woken up, put to sleep, woken up again, and put back to sleep againspecifies groupcast, for example, the terminals may be specified in thefollowing manner.

-   -   Terminals that support version X of communication scheme A.    -   Terminals capable of receiving notification information.    -   Terminals capable of receiving emergency information.    -   Terminals present in region B.    -   Terminals equipped in vehicles.    -   Terminals equipped in standard vehicles.    -   Terminals equipped in vehicles that support autonomous driving.    -   Terminals equipped in heavy-duty vehicles.    -   Terminals equipped in vehicles driving on a highway.

Note that these are merely examples; the method of specifying vehiclesvia groupcast is not limited to these examples. For example, terminalsmay be specified by a combination of a plurality of conditions.

The above described processes performed by a terminal to determinewhether conditions for being subject to the communication scheme to be,for example, woken up, put to sleep, woken up again, and put back tosleep again are satisfied or not. The terminal may store informationneeded to determine whether the conditions are satisfied in a storageincluded in the transceiver device that receives the wake-up frame, orin a storage accessible by the transceiver device. Upon receiving awake-up frame, the terminal compares conditions specified in the wake-upframe with information stored in the storage, and when the terminaldetermines that the conditions are satisfied, the transceiver device orthe device operation function is woken up, put to sleep, woken up again,or put back to sleep again.

Note that when a device different from the transceiver device thatreceived the wake-up frame is required to be woken up, such as a deviceincluded in the transceiver device or terminal that is subject to beingwoken up in order to obtain information needed to determine whether thespecified conditions are satisfied or not, the processes for determiningwhether the conditions are satisfied are performed after the device iswoken up and the information needed for the determination is obtained,and when the conditions are determined to be satisfied, the processingsuch as the waking up, putting to sleep, waking up again, or puttingback to sleep that is specified in the wake-up frame is implemented. Insuch cases, information specifying the conditions may be stored in, forexample, the second wake-up frame or the third wake-up frame illustratedin FIG. 39, FIG. 40, and FIG. 41 that are received after the devicewakes up.

Note that the information specifying the conditions may be stored in awake-up frame received before the device is woken up. In such cases,when a terminal determines that information needs to be obtained fromanother device in order to be able to determine whether the conditionsspecified in the received wake-up frame are satisfied or not, theterminal wakes up the device, obtains the information necessary fordetermining whether the conditions are satisfied or not, and makes thedetermination. Furthermore, when the result of the determination is thatthe conditions are not satisfied or when the result of the terminationis that the conditions are met but the wake-up operation specified inthe wake-up frame is not related to the other device, the terminal mayput the other device that is awake asleep or put it back to sleep again.

Moreover, for example, when the terminal does not satisfy the conditionsspecified in the second wake-up frame or third wake-up frame, theterminal may automatically put to sleep the transceiver device or somefunction of the transceiver device that the terminal woke up based on awake-up frame received before the first wake-up frame, for example. Notethat instead of putting to sleep the transceiver device or some functionof the transceiver device that was woken up based on a received wake-upframe, the terminal may store, in the second wake-up frame or the thirdwake-up frame, information indicating whether to sleep (or cancel) adevice or function woken up by a wake-up frame received in advance whenthe conditions specified in the frame are not met, and thus controlwhether to put the device woken up by the wake-up frame received inadvance asleep.

Note that when a plurality of wake-up frames are received in advance,for each wake-up frame, a frame identifier that identifies the wake-upframe may be stored in the wake-up frame and transmitted, and thewake-up frame that instructs a device to sleep (or cancel) or a functionto wake up can be specified. Moreover, when one wake-up frame indicatesa plurality of wake-up instructions, for each wake-up instruction, awake-up instruction identifier that identifies the wake-up instructionmay be stored with the wake-up instruction and transmitted, and awake-up instruction corresponding to a device or function to be put tosleep (or canceled) can be specified in a subsequently transmittedwake-up frame.

With the above configuration, a device such as a transceiver device or adevice operation function included in the terminal, or a layer functioncan be instructed to wake up over multiple stages, which makes wake-upinstruction that is flexible depending on the purpose of the wake-uppossible. This also makes it easier to specify a sleep (or wake-upcancel) instruction to a device such as a transceiver device or a deviceoperation function included in a woken-up terminal, or a layer function,which facilitates flexible device control.

Note that the first mode is a mode in which the communication deviceincluded in the device is in standby for reception of a frame includingat least the first field, and more specifically, is a mode dedicated toplacing the communication device in standby for reception of a frameincluding at least the first field. The second mode is a mode in whichthe communication device performs normal frame transmission andreception. The first mode corresponds to the sleep state, and the secondmode corresponds to a non-sleep, normal state.

Embodiment 7

In the present embodiment, a variation of the configuration of anprocesses performed by the transmission device and the reception deviceaccording to the above embodiments will be described.

FIG. 31 illustrates one example of a configuration of transmissiondevice 3101.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, transmission device 3101 includes generator3102 that generates a frame in a predetermined frame format andcommunicator 3103 that transmits the frame generated by generator 3102.The predetermined frame format includes a first field indicating whetherinformation related to a wake-up process performed by a device thatreceived a frame in the predetermined frame format is valid or not. Whenthe first field indicates that the information is valid, thepredetermined frame format further includes a second field indicatingidentification information identifying the device.

With this configuration, transmission device 3101 can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process by a devicethat received the frame can be appropriately controlled.

FIG. 32 illustrates one example of a configuration of reception device3201.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, reception device 3201 includes: communicator3202 that operates in one of a first mode and a second mode; andcontroller 3203 that controls which of the first mode and the secondmode communicator 3202 operates in based on a reception frame receivedby communicator 3202. The reception frame is in a predetermined frameformat. The predetermined frame format includes a first field indicatingwhether information related to a wake-up process performed by a devicethat received a frame in the predetermined frame format is valid or not,and when the first field indicates that the information is valid,further includes a second field indicating identification informationidentifying the device. The first mode is a mode in which communicator3202 is in standby for reception of a frame including at least the firstfield. The second mode is a mode in which communicator 3202 performsnormal data frame transmission and reception. The wake-up processtransitions communicator 3202 from the first mode to the second mode.Controller 3203 executes the wake-up process when, in the receptionframe received while communicator 3202 is operating in the first mode,the first field indicates that the information is valid and the secondfield indicates the identification information of reception device 3201.

With this configuration, reception device 3201 can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process based on thereceived frame can be appropriately controlled.

FIG. 33 illustrates one example of a transmission method includingprocesses performed by transmission device 3101.

As illustrated in FIG. 33, the transmission method includes generatingstep S3301 of generating a frame in a predetermined frame format andtransmitting step S3302 of transmitting the frame generated ingenerating step S3301. The predetermined frame format includes a firstfield indicating whether information related to a wake-up processperformed by a device that received a frame in the predetermined frameformat is valid or not. When the first field indicates that theinformation is valid, the predetermined frame format further includes asecond field indicating identification information identifying thedevice.

With this configuration, transmission device 3101 can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process by a devicethat received the frame can be appropriately controlled.

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of a reception method includingprocesses performed by reception device 3201.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, the reception method includes receiving stepS3401 of receiving a frame by communicator 3202, and controlling stepS3402 of controlling which of the first mode and the second modecommunicator 3202 operates in based on a reception frame, the receptionframe being in a predetermined frame format and being the frame receivedby communicator 3202. The predetermined frame format includes a firstfield indicating whether information related to a wake-up processperformed by a device that received a frame in the predetermined frameformat is valid or not, and when the first field indicates that theinformation is valid, further includes a second field indicatingidentification information identifying the device. The first mode is amode in which communicator 3202 is in standby for reception of a frameincluding at least the first field. The second mode is a mode in whichcommunicator 3202 performs normal data frame transmission and reception.The wake-up process transitions communicator 3202 from the first mode tothe second mode. Controlling step S3402 executes the wake-up processwhen, in the reception frame received while communicator 3202 isoperating in the first mode, the first field indicates that theinformation is valid and the second field indicates the identificationinformation of reception device 3201.

With this configuration, reception device 3201 can provide a newfunction, namely that the execution of a wake-up process based on thereceived frame can be appropriately controlled.

All or some of the above embodiments may be written like in thefollowing appendix, but are not limited to the following.

(1) A communication device including a plurality of communicators, thecommunication device including: a first communicator that communicateswith a first communication device; a second communicator that switchesbetween a plurality of states including a first sleep state and a firstoperational state, and communicates using a second communication schemein the first operational state; a third communicator that switchesbetween a plurality of states including a second sleep state and asecond operational state, and communicates using a third communicationscheme in the second operational state; an operator that switchesbetween a plurality of states including a third sleep state and a thirdoperational state, and performs a process specified in the thirdoperational state; and a controller that controls the secondcommunicator, the third communicator, and the operator. When the firstcommunicator is in the first sleep state, the second communicator is inthe second sleep state, and the operator is in the third sleep state,upon the first communicator receiving a signal from the firstcommunication device instructing to switch operations, the signalincluding information specifying the second communicator or the thirdcommunicator and information specifying a process to be operated by theoperator, the controller switches a state of the second communicator orthe third communicator and switches a state of the operator based on thesignal, and executes the process specified by the operator, using datareceived in the second communicator or the third communicator whoseoperational state was changed.

(2) A communication method implemented by a device including a pluralityof communicators, the device including: a first communicator thatcommunicates with a first communication device; a second communicatorthat switches between a plurality of states including a first sleepstate and a first operational state, and communicates using a secondcommunication scheme in the first operational state; a thirdcommunicator that switches between a plurality of states including asecond sleep state and a second operational state, and communicatesusing a third communication scheme in the second operational state; andan operator that switches between a plurality of states including athird sleep state and a third operational state, and performs a processspecified in the third operational state, the communication methodincluding, when the first communicator is in the first sleep state, thesecond communicator is in the second sleep state, and the operator is inthe third sleep state, upon the first communicator receiving a signalfrom the first communication device instructing to switch operations,the signal including information specifying the second communicator orthe third communicator and information specifying a process to beoperated by the operator: switching a state of the second communicatoror the third communicator and switches a state of the operator based onthe signal, and executing the process specified by the operator, usingdata received in the second communicator or the third communicator whoseoperational state was changed.

With this, it is possible to facilitate or contribute to the realizationof one or more of the following desires regarding the device having thefirst communication device and the system having the first communicationdevice: further power consumption reduction; provision of new functionsthat utilize the first communication scheme, and provision of newfunctions that utilize a combination of a plurality of communicationschemes.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to each exemplaryembodiment, and can be carried out with various modifications. Forexample, in each embodiment, the communication method is described asbeing carried out as a communication device. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to this case; the communication method cancarried out as software.

Note that a program for executing the above-described communicationmethod may be stored in ROM in advance to cause a CPU to operate theprogram.

Moreover, the program for executing the communication method may bestored in a computer-readable storage medium, the program stored in therecording medium may be recorded in RAM in a computer, and the computermay be caused to operate according to this program.

Each configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, etc., maybe realized as an LSI circuit, which is typically an integrated circuithaving an input terminal and an output terminal. These integratedcircuits may be formed as separate chips, or may be formed as one chipso as to include the entire configuration or part of the configurationof each embodiment. Here, the circuit integration is exemplified as LSI,but depending on the degree of integration, the integration may bereferred to as IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Moreover, thecircuit integration technique is not limited to LSI, and may be realizedby a dedicated circuit or a general purpose processor.

After manufacturing of the LSI circuit, a programmable FPGA or areconfigurable processor in which the LSI circuit cell connections andsettings are reconfigurable may be used. Furthermore, when developmentof a semiconductor technology or another derived technology provides acircuit integration technology which replaces LSI, as a matter ofcourse, functional blocks may be integrated by using this technology.Adaption of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

Note that at least one of the field programmable gate array (FPGA) andcentral processing unit (CPU) may be configured to download, over awired or wireless connection, some or all of the software required toimplement the communication method described in the present disclosure.Furthermore, at least one of the FPGA and CPU may be configured todownload, over a wired or wireless connection, some or all of thesoftware required to perform updates. The downloaded software may bestored in a storage, and based on the stored software, at least one ofthe FPGA and CPU may be operated to implement the digital signalprocessing described in the present disclosure.

Here, a device including at least one of the FPGA and CPU may connect toa communications modem over a wired or wireless connection, and thedevice and communications modem may implement the communication methoddescribed in the present disclosure.

For example, a communication device such as the base station, AP, orterminal described in the present specification may include at least oneof the FPGA and the CPU, and include an interface for obtaining, from anexternal source, software for operating at least one of the FPGA and theCPU. The communication device may further include a storage for storingsoftware obtained from the external source, and implement the signalprocessing described in the present disclosure by operating the FPGAand/or CPU based on the stored software.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable in, for example, communicationdevices capable of entering a sleep mode.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transmission device, comprising: a generatorthat generates a frame in a predetermined frame format; and acommunicator that transmits the frame generated by the generator,wherein the predetermined frame format: includes a first fieldindicating whether information related to a wake-up process performed bya device that received a frame in the predetermined frame format isvalid or not; and when the first field indicates that the information isvalid, further includes a second field indicating identificationinformation identifying the device.
 2. A reception device, comprising: acommunicator that operates in one of a first mode and a second mode; anda controller that controls which of the first mode and the second modethe communicator operates in based on a reception frame received by thecommunicator, the reception frame being in a predetermined frame format,wherein the predetermined frame format: includes a first fieldindicating whether information related to a wake-up process performed bya device that received a frame in the predetermined frame format isvalid or not; and when the first field indicates that the information isvalid, further includes a second field indicating identificationinformation identifying the device, the first mode is a mode in whichthe communicator is in standby for reception of a frame including atleast the first field, the second mode is a mode in which thecommunicator performs normal data frame transmission and reception, thewake-up process transitions the communicator from the first mode to thesecond mode, and the controller executes the wake-up process when, inthe reception frame received while the communicator is operating in thefirst mode, the first field indicates that the information is valid andthe second field indicates the identification information of thereception device.
 3. The reception device according to claim 2, furthercomprising: a function unit configured to execute a function processrelated to a predetermined function, wherein the controller causes thefunction unit to execute the function process based on a frame receivedwhile the communicator is operating in the second mode.
 4. The receptiondevice according to claim 3, wherein the controller further causes thefunction unit execute the function process upon executing the wake-upprocess.
 5. The reception device according to claim 2, wherein the firstmode is a mode dedicated to placing the communicator in standby forreception of a frame including at least the first field.
 6. Atransmission method, comprising: generating a frame in a predeterminedframe format; and transmitting the frame generated in the generating,wherein the predetermined frame format: includes a first fieldindicating whether information related to a wake-up process performed bya device that received a frame in the predetermined frame format isvalid or not; and when the first field indicates that the information isvalid, further includes a second field indicating identificationinformation identifying the device.
 7. A reception method executed by areception device including a communicator that operates in one of afirst mode and a second mode, the reception method comprising: receivinga frame by the communicator; and controlling which of the first mode andthe second mode the communicator operates in based on a reception frame,the reception frame being in a predetermined frame format and being theframe received by the communicator, wherein the predetermined frameformat: includes a first field indicating whether information related toa wake-up process performed by a device that received a frame in thepredetermined frame format is valid or not; and when the first fieldindicates that the information is valid, further includes a second fieldindicating identification information identifying the device, the firstmode is a mode in which the communicator is in standby for reception ofa frame including at least the first field, the second mode is a mode inwhich the communicator performs normal data frame transmission andreception, the wake-up process transitions the communicator from thefirst mode to the second mode, and the controlling executes the wake-upprocess when, in the reception frame received while the communicator isoperating in the first mode, the first field indicates that theinformation is valid and the second field indicates the identificationinformation of the reception device.